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CHOICE  EXAMPLES  OF  BOOK  ILLUMINATION. 

Fac-similes  from  Illuminated  Manuscripts  and  Illustrated   Books 
of  Early  Date. 


A    PAGE  FROM  A    TOULOUSE  BREVIARY. 

This  is  a  fine  example  from  a  breviary  with  a  miniature  of  St.  George,  written  in 
Southern  France  about  1400.  It  is  written  on  vellum,  and  is  generally  considered 
to  represent  the  perfection  of  French  art.  In  delicacy  and  oeauty  it  is  not  surpassed 
by  any  other  illustration  in  Biblical  and  liturgical  manuscripts. 


THE         v:^^^^.^^^.^.:^..^..^ 


Copyright,  1901, 

By  the  colonial  press. 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION 

EASILY  the  most  charming  poem  of  Malayan  Literature 
is  the  Epic  of  Bidasari.  It  has  all  the  absorbing 
fascination  of  a  fairy  tale.  We  are  led  into  the  dreamy 
atmosphere  of  haunted  palace  and  beauteous  plaisance:  we 
glide  in  the  picturesque  imaginings  of  the  oriental  poet  from 
the  charm  of  all  that  is  languorously  seductive  in  nature  into 
the  shadowy  realms  of  the  supernatural.  At  one  moment  the 
sturdy  bowman  or  lithe  and  agile  lancer  is  before  us  in  hurry- 
ing column,  and  at  another  we  are  told  of  mystic  sentinels  from 
another  world,  of  Djinns  and  demons  and  spirit-princes.  All 
seems  shadowy,  vague,  mysterious,  entrancing. 

In  this  tale  there  is  a  wealth  of  imagery,  a  luxury  of  pictur- 
esqueness,  together  with  that  straightforward  simplicity  so  al- 
luring in  the  story-teller.  Not  only  is  our  attention  so  capti- 
vated that  we  seem  under  a  spell,  but  our  sympathy  is  invoked 
and  retained.  We  actually  wince  before  the  cruel  blows  of 
the  wicked  queen.  And  the  hot  tears  of  Bidasari  move  us  to 
living  pity.  In  the  poetic  justice  that  punishes  the  queen  and 
rewards  the  heroine  we  take  a  childish  delight.  In  other  words, 
the  oriental  poet  is  simple,  sensuous,  passionate,  thus  achieving 
Milton's  ideal  of  poetic  excellence.  We  hope  that  no  philoso- 
pher, philologist,  or  ethnologist  will  persist  in  demonstrating 
the  sun-myth  or  any  other  allegory  from  this  beautiful  poem. 
It  is  a  story,  a  charming  tale,  to  while  away  an  idle  hour,  and 
nothing  more.  All  lovers  of  the  simple,  the  beautiful,  the  pict- 
uresque should  say  to  such  learned  peepers  and  botanizers, 
"  Hands  off !  "  Let  no  learned  theories  rule  here.  Leave  this 
beautiful  tale  for  artists  and  lovers  of  the  story  pure  and  simple. 
Seek  no  more  moral  here  than  you  would  in  a  rose  or  a  lily 
or  a  graceful  palm.  Light,  love,  color,  beauty,  sympathy,  en- 
gaging fascination — these  may  be  found  alike  by  philosopher 

iii 


iv  SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION 

and  winsome  youth.  The  story  is  no  more  immoral  than  a 
drop  of  dew  or  a  lotus  bloom ;  and,  as  to  interest,  in  the  land  of 
the  improviser  and  the  story-teller  one  is  obliged  to  be  inter- 
esting. For  there  the  audience  is  either  spellbound,  or  quickly 
fades  away  and  leaves  the  poet  to  realize  that  he  must  attempt 
better  things. 

We  think  that  these  folk-stories  have,  indeed,  a  common 
origin,  but  that  it  is  in  the  human  heart.  We  do  not  look  for 
a  Sigurd  or  Siegfried  on  every  page.  Imagine  a  nation  spring- 
ing from  an  ignorant  couple  on  a  sea-girt  isle,  in  a  few 
generations  they  would  have  evolved  their  Sleeping  Beauty  and 
their  Prince  Charming,  their  enchanted  castles,  and  their 
Djinns  and  fairies.  These  are  as  indigenous  to  the  human 
heart  as  the  cradle-song  or  the  battle-cry.  We  do  not  find  our- 
selves siding  with  those  who  would  trace  everything  to  a  first 
exemplar.  Children  have  played,  and  men  have  loved,  and 
poets  have  sung  from  the  beginning,  and  we  need  not  run  to 
Asia  for  the  source  of  everything.  Universal  human  nature 
has  a  certain  spontaneity. 

The  translator  has  tried  to  reproduce  the  faithfulness  and,  in 
some  measure,  to  indicate  the  graceful  phrases  of  the  original 
poem.  The  author  of  Bidasari  is  unknown,  and  the  date  of 
the  poem  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  uncertainty.  Some  have 
attributed  to  it  a  Javanese  origin,  but  upon  very  slight  evidence. 
The  best  authorities  place  its  scene  in  the  country  of  Palem- 
bang,  and  its  time  after  the  arrival  of  the  Europeans  in  the 
Indian  archipelago,  but  suggest  that  the  legend  must  be  much 
older  than  the  poem. 

The  "  Makota  Radja-Radja  "  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
books  of  oriental  literature.  According  to  M.  Aristide  Marre, 
who  translated  it  into  French,  its  date  is  1603.  Its  author  was 
Bokhari,  and  he  lived  at  Djohore.  It  contains  extracts  from 
more  than  fifty  Arab  and  Persian  authors.  It  treats  of  the 
duties  of  man  to  God,  to  himself  and  to  society,  and  of  the  obli- 
gations of  sovereigns,  subjects,  ministers,  and  officers.  Ex- 
amples are  taken  from  the  lives  of  kings  in  Asia.  The  author 
has  not  the  worst  opinion  of  his  work,  saying  distinctly  that 
it  is  a  complete  guide  to  happiness  in  this  world  and  the  next. 
He  is  particularly  copious  in  his  warnings  to  copyists  and  trans- 
lators, cautioning  them  against  the  slightest  negligence  or  in- 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION  V 

accuracy,  and  promising  them  for  faithfulness  a  passport  to  the 
glories  of  heaven.  This  shows  that  the  author  at  least  took 
the  work  seriously.  That  there  is  not  a  trace  of  humor  in  the 
book  would  doubtless  recommend  it  to  the  dignified  and  lethar- 
gic orientals  for  whom  it  was  written.  Bokhari  seemed  to 
consider  himself  prophet,  priest,  and  poet-laureate  in  one.  The 
work  has  a  high  position  in  the  Malayan  Peninsula,  where  it 
is  read  by  young  and  old.  The  "  Crown  of  Kings  "  is  written 
in  the  court  language  of  Djohore.  The  author  was  a  Moham- 
medan mendicant  monk.  He  called  the  book  the  Crown  of 
Kings  because  ''  every  king  who  read  and  followed  its  precepts 
would  be  a  perfect  king,  and  thus  only  would  his  crown  sit 
well  on  his  head,  and  the  book  itself  will  be  for  him  a  true 
crown." 

La  Fontaine  and  Lamartine  loved  stories.  The  schoolmates 
of  the  latter  called  the  latter  "  story-lover."  They  would  have 
loved  the  story  of  the  Princess  Djouher  Manikam,  which  is 
written  in  a  simple  and  natural  style  and  is  celebrated  in  the 
East,  or,  as  the  Malays  say,  in  the  **  country  between  windward 
and  leeward." 

From  the  "  Sedjaret  Malayou,"  worthless  as  it  is  as  history, 
one  may  obtain  side  lights  upon  oriental  life.  Manners  are 
portrayed  in  vivid  colors,  so  that  one  may  come  to  have  a  very 
accurate  knowledge  of  them.  Customs  are  depicted  from 
which  one  may  learn  of  the  formality  and  regard  for  precedents 
which  is  a  perspicuous  trait  of  oriental  character.  The  rig^d 
etiquette  of  court  and  home  may  be  remarked.  From  the 
view  of  morals  here  described,  one  may  appreciate  how  far  we 
have  progressed  in  ethical  culture  from  that  prevailing  in 
i  former  times  among  the  children  of  these  winterless  lands. 

The  readers  of  this  series  are  to  be  congratulated  in  that  they 
are  here  placed  in  possession  of  a  unique  and  invaluable  source 
of  information  concerning  the  life  and  literature  of  the  far-away 
people  of  the  Indian  archipelago.  To  these  pages  an  added 
interest  accrues  from  the  fact  that  the  Philippines  are  now  pro- 
tected by  our  flag. 

The  name  Malay  signifies  a  wanderer.  As  a  people  they  are 
passionate,  vain,  susceptible,  and  endowed  with  a  reckless 
bravery  and  contempt  of  death.  The  Malays  have  considerable 
originality  in  versification.     The  pantoum  is  particularly  theirs 


vi  SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION 

— a  form  arising  from  their  habits  of  improvisation  and  compet- 
itive versifying.  They  have  also  the  epic  or  sjair,  generally  a 
pure  romance,  with  much  naive  simplicity  and  natural  feeling. 
And  finally,  they  have  the  popular  song,  enigma,  and  fable. 

And  so  we  leave  the  reader  to  his  pleasant  journey  to  the 
lands  of  Djinns  and  Mantris  and  spells  and  mystic  talismans. 
He  will  be  entertained  by  the  chrestomathy  of  Bokhari ;  he  will 
be  entranced  by  the  story  of  the  winsome  and  dainty  Bidasari. 

0  ^jCUc/I/cAjuj     U>,  Ai/SAjC^J»^^Xkjtj\ 


fujLUyK..^jLa 


CONTENTS 

BiDASARI :  9AQB 

Song  I 3 

Song  II 7 

Song  III 33 

Song  IV 55 

Song  V 68 

Song  VI 72 

Sedjaret  Malayou 91 

The  Princess  Djouher-Manikam 123 

Makota  Radja-Radja 157 


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-^ 


CHOICE   EXAMPLES   OF  BOOK  ILLUMINATION. 

Fac-similes  from  Illuminated  Manuscripts  and  Illustrated   Books 
of  Early  Date. 


A    PAGE  FROM  A    TOULOUSE  BREVIARY. 

This  is  a  fine  example  from  a  breviary  with  a  miniature  of  St.  George,  written  in 
Southern  France  about  1400.  It  is  written  on  vellum,  and  Is  generally,  qansidefcd 
to  represent  the  perfection  of  French  art.     In  delicacy  and  oeauty  it  is  noV  sjftrpassed 

by  any  other  ilhistration  in  Biblical  .ind  liturs^ical  manuscripts. 


**m^' 


1^ 


1  H  t 


S^^2^  COLONIAL /S^S^SS^ 

LONDON     '^^^^*'^'^*'^**^-— -— v^ 


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PRESS  u^g^ 


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Copyright,  1901. 

By  the  colonial  press. 


ILLUSTRATION 

A  Page  from  a  Toulouse  Breviary       .         .       Frontispiece 
Fac-simile  illumination  of  the  Fourteenth  Century 


ILLUSTRATION 


A  Page  from  a  Toulouse  Breviary       .         .       Frontispiece 

Fac-siraile  illumination  of  the  Fourteenth  Century 


THE    EPIC    OF     BIDASARI 


{^Metrical  Translation  by  Chauncey  C  Starkweather,  A.B.,  LL.B,"] 


BIDASARI 


SONG  I 

HEAR  now  the  song  I  sing  about  a  king 
Of  Kembajat.    A  fakir  has  completed 
The  story,  that  a  poem  he  may  make. 
There  was  a  king,  a  sultan,  and  he  was 
Handsome  and  wise  and  perfect  in  all  ways, 
Proud  scion  of  a  race  of  mighty  kings. 
He  filled  the  land  with  merchants  bringing  wealth 
And  travellers.    And  from  that  day's  report. 
He  was  a  prince  most  valorous  and  strong, 
Who  never  vexing  obstacles  had  met. 
But  ever  is  the  morrow  all  unknown. 
After  the  Sultan,  all  accomplished  man. 
Had  married  been  a  year,  or  little  more, 
He  saw  that  very  soon  he'd  have  an  heir. 
At  this  his  heart  rejoiced,  and  he  was  glad 
As  though  a  mine  of  diamonds  were  his. 
Some  days  the  joy  continued  without  clouds. 
But  soon  there  came  the  moment  when  the  prince 
Knew  sorrow's  blighting  force,  and  had  to  yield 
His  country's  capital.    A  savage  bird, 
Garouda  called,  a  very  frightful  bird, 
Soared  in  the  air,  and  ravaged  all  the  land. 
It  flew  with  wings  and  talons  wide  outstretched, 
With  cries  to  terrify  the  stoutest  heart. 
All  people,  great  and  small,  were  seized  with  dread. 
And  all  the  country  feared  and  was  oppressed. 
And  people  ran  now  this  way  and  now  that. 
The  folk  approached  the  King.    He  heard  the  noise 
As  of  a  fray,  and,  angry,  asked  the  guard, 
"  Whence  comes  this  noise  ?  "    As  soon  as  this  he  said 

3 


MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

One  of  his  body-guard  replied  with  awe, 

"  Illustrious  lord,  most  merciful  of  kings, 

A  fell  garouda  follows  us  about." 

The  King's  face  paled  when  these  dread  words  he  heard. 

The  officers  arose  and  beat  their  breasts. 

The  sorrow  of  the  King  was  greater  still 

Because  the  Queen  was  ill.    He  took  her  hand 

And  started  without  food  or  anything. 

He  trusted  all  to  God,  who  watches  o'er 

The  safety  of  the  world.     The  suff 'ring  Queen 

Spoke  not  a  word  and  walked  along  in  tears. 

They  went  by  far  campongs  and  dreary  fields 

Beneath  a  burning  sun  which  overwhelmed 

Their  strength.    And  so  the  lovely  Queen's  fair  face 

From  palest  yellow  grew  quite  black.    The  prince 

Approached  the  desert  with  his  body  torn 

By  thorns  and  brambles.    All  his  care  and  grief 

Were  doubled  when  he  saw  his  lovely  wife 

Who  scarce  could  drag  herself  along  and  whom 

He  had  to  lead.    Most  desolate  was  he. 

Turning  his  mind  on  the  good  Queen's  sad  lot. 

Upon  the  way  he  gave  up  all  to  her. 

Two  months  they  journeyed  and  one  day  they  came 

Unto  a  campong  of  a  merchant,  where 

They  looked  for  rest  because  the  Queen  was  weak. 

The  path  was  rugged  and  the  way  was  hard. 

The  prince  made  halt  before  the  palisades. 

For  God  had  made  him  stop  and  rest  awhile. 

The  Sultan  said :   "  What  is  this  campong  here  ? 

I  fain  would  enter,  but  I  do  not  dare." 

The  good  Queen  wept  and  said :   "  O  my  beloved, 

What  shall  I  say  ?    I  am  so  tired  and  weak 

I  cannot  journey  more."    The  King  was  quite 

Beside  himself  and  fainted  where  he  sat. 

But  on  they  journeyed  to  the  riverside. 

Stopping  at  every  step. 

And  when  the  King 
Had  gained  the  bank  he  saw  a  little  boat 
With  roof  of  bent  bamboos  and  kadjang  screen. 
Then  to  the  Queen,  "  Rest  here,  my  precious  one." 


BIDASARI 

The  silver  moon  was  at  the  full,  but  veiled 

With  clouds,  like  to  a  maid  who  hides  her  face 

And  glances  toward  her  lover  timidly. 

Then  there  was  born  a  daughter,  like  a  flower, 

More  beautiful  than  statue  of  pure  gold, 

Just  like  the  tulips  that  the  princess  plucked. 

The  mother's  heart  was  broken  at  the  thought 

That  she  must  leave  the  babe,  the  child  beloved 

They  both  adored,  such  beauty  it  presaged. 

The  King  with  tears  exclaimed,  "  How  can  we  take 

The  infant  with  us  o'er  this  stony  road 

Beset  with  thorns,  and  burned  with  dreadful  heat  ? 

Pearl  of  my  palace,  said  he  to  the  Queen, 

"  Weep  not  so  bitterly  about  the  child. 

An  offering  let  us  make  of  her  to  God. 

God  grant  she  may  be  found  by  loving  hearts 

Who'll  care  ifor  her  and  raise  her  in  their  home/' 

As  soon  as  they  had  quite  determined  there 

To  leave  the  infant  princess,  their  great  grief 

No  limit  knew.    But  ere  they  went  away 

The  King  took  up  the  infant  in  his  arms 

And  rocked  her  on  his  knees  until  she  slept. 

"  Sleep  on,  heart's  love,  my  soul,  my  little  one, 

Weep  not  for  thy  dear  mother's  lot.    She  fain 

Would  take  thee  with  her,  but  the  way  is  hard. 

Sleep  on,  dear  child,  the  apple  of  my  eye, 

The  image  of  thy  sire.    Stay  here,  fear  not. 

For  unto  God  we  trust  thee,  Lord  of  all. 

Sleep  on,  my  child,  chief  jewel  of  my  crown, 

And  let  thy  father  go.    To  look  at  thee 

Doth  pierce  my  heart  as  by  a  poniard's  blow. 

Ah,  sweet  my  child,  dear,  tender  little  one, 

Thy  father  loves  yet  leaves  thee.     Happy  be. 

And  may  no  harm  come  nigh  thee.    Fare  thee  well.' 

The  little  princess  slept,  lulled  by  his  voice. 

He  put  her  from  his  knees  and  placed  her  on 

A  finely  woven  cloth  of  Ind,  and  covered  her 

With  satin  webbed  with  gold.    With  flowing  tears 

The  mother  wrapped  her  in  a  tissue  fine 

Adorned  with  jewels  like  to  sculptured  flowers. 


MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

She  seized  the  child  and  weeping  murmured  low: 

"  O  dearest  child,  my  pretty  little  girl ! 

I  leave  thee  to  the  Master  of  the  world. 

Live  happily,  although  thy  mother  goes 

And  leaves  thee  here.    Ah,  sad  thy  mother's  lot ! 

Thy  father  forces  her  to  quit  thee  now. 

She  would  prefer  with  thee  to  stay,  but,  no! 

Thy  father  bids  her  go.    And  that  is  why 

Thy  mother's  fond  heart  breaks,  she  loves  thee  so, 

And  yet  must  leave  thee.    Oh,  how  can  I  live  ?  " 

The  mother  fainted,  and  the  grieving  King 

Was  fain  to  kill  himself,  so  was  he  moved. 

He  took  the  Queen's  head  on  his  knees.    And  soon 

By  God's  decree  and  ever-sheltering  grace 

She  to  her  senses  came  and  stood  erect. 

Again  she  wept  on  looking  at  the  child. 

"  If  I  should  never  see  thee  more,  sweet  soul, 

Oh,  may  thy  mother  share  thy  fate !    Her  life 

Is  bound  to  thine.    The  light  is  gone  from  out 

Thy  mother's  eyes.    Hope  dies  within  her  heart 

Because  she  fears  to  see  thee  nevermore. 

Oh,  may  some  charitable  heart,  my  child. 

Discover  thee !  "    The  prince  essayed  to  dry 

Her  tears.    "  Now  come  away,  my  dearest  love. 

Soon  day  will  dawn."    The  prince  in  grief  set  out, 

But  ever  turned  and  wanted  to  go  back. 

They  walked  along  together,  man  and  wife 

All  solitary,  with  no  friends  at  hand. 

Care-worn  and  troubled,  and  the  moon  shone  bright. 


SONG  II 

I  SING  in  this  song  of  a  merchant  great 
And  of  his  wealth.    His  goods  and  treasures  were 
Beyond  all  count,  his  happiness  without 
Alloy.    In  Indrapura  town  there  was 
No  equal  to  his  fortune.    He  possessed 
A  thousand  slaves,  both  old  and  young,  who  came 
From  Java  and  from  other  lands.    His  rank 
Was  higher  than  Panggawa's.    Wives  he  had 
In  goodly  numbers.    But  he  lacked  one  thing 
That  weighed  upon  his  heart — he  had  no  child. 
Now,  by  the  will  of  God,  the  merchant  great 
Came  very  early  from  the  palace  gates, 
And  sought  the  river-bank,  attended  by 
His  favorite  wife.    Lila  Djouhara  was 
The  merchant's  name.     He  heard  a  feeble  voice 
As  of  an  infant  crying,  like  the  shrill 
Tones  of  a  flute,  and  from  a  boat  it  seemed 
To  come.    Then  toward  the  wondrous  boat  he  went 
And  saw  an  infant  with  a  pretty  face. 
His  heart  was  overjoyed  as  if  he  had 
A  mine  of  diamonds  found.    The  spouses  said : 
"  Whose  child  is  this  ?    It  surely  must  belong 
To  one  of  highest  rank.    Some  cause  he  had 
To  leave  her  here."    The  merchant's  heart  was  glad 
To  see  the  bright  eyes  of  the  little  one. 
He  raised  her  in  his  arms  and  took  her  home. 
Four  waiting-maids  and  nurses  two  he  gave 
The  pretty  child.    The  palace  rooms  were  all 
Adorned  anew,  with  rugs  and  curtains  soft, 
And  tapestries  of  orange  hue  were  hung. 
The  princess  rested  on  a  couch  inlaid  with  gold, 
A  splendid  couch,  with  lanterns  softly  bright 
And  tapers  burning  with  a  gentle  ray. 

7 


MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  merchant  and  his  wife  with  all  their  hearts 

Adored  the  child,  as  if  it  were  their  own. 

She  looked  like  Mindoudari,  and  received 

The  name  of  Bidasari.    Then  they  took 

A  little  fish  and  changing  vital  spirits 

They  put  it  in  a  golden  box,  then  placed 

The  box  within  a  casket  rich  and  rare. 

The  merchant  made  a  garden,  with  all  sorts 

Of  vases  filled  with  flowers,  and  bowers  of  green 

And  trellised  vines.    A  little  pond  made  glad 

The  eyes,  with  the  precious  stones  and  topaz  set 

Alternately,  in  fashion  of  the  land 

Of  Pellanggam,  a  charm  for  all.    The  sand 

Was  purest  gold,  with  alabaster  fine 

All  mixed  with  red  pearls  and  with  sapphires  blue. 

And  in  the  water  deep  and  clear  they  kept 

The  casket.    Since  they  had  the  infant  found. 

Sweet  Bidasari,  all  the  house  was  filled 

With  joy.    The  merchant  and  his  wife  did  naught 

But  feast  and  clap  their  hands  and  dance.    They  watched 

The  infant  night  and  day.    They  gave  to  her 

Garments  of  gold,  with  necklaces  and  gems, 

With  rings  and  girdles,  and  quaint  boxes,  too, 

Of  perfume  rare,  and  crescent  pins  and  flowers 

Of  gold  to  nestle  in  the  hair,  and  shoes 

Embroidered  in  the  fashion  of  Sourat. 

By  day  and  night  the  merchant  guarded  her. 

So  while  sweet  Bidasari  grew,  her  lovely  face 

Increased  in  beauty.    Her  soft  skin  was  white 

And  yellow,  and  she  was  most  beautiful. 

Her  ear-rings  and  her  bracelets  made  her  look 

Like  some  rare  gem  imprisoned  in  a  glass. 

Her  beauty  had  no  equal,  and  her  face 

Was  like  a  nymph's  celestial.     She  had  gowns 

As  many  as  she  wished,  as  many  as 

A  princess  fair  of  Java.    There  was  not 

A  second  Bidasari  in  the  land. 

I'll  tell  about  Djouhan  Mengindra  now, 
Sultan  of  Indrapura.    Very  wide 


BIDASARI 

His  kingdom  was,  with  ministers  of  state 

And  officers,  and  regiments  of  picked 

Young  warriors,  the  bulwark  of  the  throne. 

This  most  illustrious  prince  had  only  been 

Two  years  the  husband  of  fair  Lila  Sari, 

A  princess  lovable  and  kind.    The  King 

Was  deemed  most  handsome.    And  there  was  within 

All  Indrapura  none  to  equal  him. 

His  education  was  what  it  should  be. 

His  conversation  very  affable. 

He  loved  the  princess  Lila  Sari  well. 

He  gave  her  everything,  and  she  in  turn 

Was  good  to  him,  but  yet  she  was  so  vain. 

"  There  is  no  one  so  beautiful  as  I," 

She  said.    They  were  united  like  unto 

The  soul  and  body.    And  the  good  King  thought 

There  could  not  be  another  like  his  wife. 

One  day  they  were  together,  and  the  Queen 

Began  to  sing :  "  Oh,  come,  my  well-beloved, 

And  listen  to  my  words.    Thou  tellst  me  oft 

Thou  lovest  me.    But  I  know  not  thy  heart. 

If  some  misfortune  were  to  overwhelm 

Wouldst  thou  be  true  to  me  ?  "    He  smiled  and  said : . 

"  No  harm  can  touch  thee,  dear.     But  should  it  come. 

Whenever  thou  art  'whelmed  I'll  perish  too." 

With  joy  the  princess  said :  "  My  noble  prince, 

If  there  were  found  a  woman  whose  flower  face 

Were  fairer  than  all  others  in  the  world. 

Say,  wouldst  thou  wed  her?  "    And  the  King  replied; 

"  My  friend,  my  fairest,  who  is  like  to  thee  ? 

My  soul,  my  princess,  of  a  noble  race, 

Thou'rt  sweet  and  wise  and  good  and  beautiful. 

Thou'rt  welded  to  my  heart.    No  thought  of  mine 

Is  separate  from  thee." 

The  princess  smiled; 
Her  face  was  all  transfigured  with  her  joy. 
But  suddenly  the  thought  came  to  her  mind, 
"  Who  knows  there  is  none  more  fair  than  I  ?  " 
And  then  she  cried :  "  Now  hear  me,  O  my  love ! 
Were  there  a  woman  with  an  angel-face, 


lo  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Wouldst  thou  make  her  thy  wife  ?    If  she  appeared 
Unto  thine  eyes  more  beautiful  than  I, 
Then  would  thy  heart  not  burn  for  her  ?  " 

The  prince 
But  smiled,  and  answered  not.    She  also  smiled, 
But  said,  "  Since  thou  dost  hesitate,  I  know 
That  thou  wouldst  surely  wed  her/'    Then  the  prince 
Made  answer :   "  O  my  heart,  gold  of  my  soul. 
If  she  in  form  and  birth  were  like  to  thee 
Fd  join  her  with  thy  destiny."    Now  when 
The  princess  heard  these  words  she  paled  and  shook. 
With  eyes  cast  down,  she  left  her  royal  spouse. 
But  quick  he  seized  her.    With  a  smile  he  said : 
"  Gold,  ruby,  dearest  friend,  I  pray  thee  now, 
Oh,  be  not  vexed  with  me.    Light  of  my  eyes, 
Keep  not  within  thy  heart  a  bitterness 
Because  I  answered  thus  unto  thy  words." 
He  took  her  in  his  arms  and  kissed  her  lips 
And  wooed  her.    And  her  face  again  grew  sweet 
The  while  she  heard.    And  yet  her  woman's  heart 
Was  grieved  and  saddened.    And  she  sat  apart. 
And  swift  these  thoughts  came  to  her  anxious  mind : 
"  I'll  seek  to-morrow  through  this  kingdom  wide, 
Lest  there  should  be  within  the  land  a  maid 
More  fair  than  I.    To  death  I  shall  condemn 
Her  straight,  lest  rival  she  may  be  to  me. 
For  if  my  lord  should  marry  her,  he'd  love 
Her  more  than  me.     He'd  love  the  younger  one, 
And  constantly  my  tortured  heart  would  bleed." 
They  angered  her,  these  thoughts,  as  if  her  heart 
Were  filled  with  gall.     "  Now  may  I  be  accursed 
If  I  go  not  unto  the  end  in  love." 
Her  heart  was  not  assuaged ;  she  sighed  alone. 
Upon  the  morrow  morn  the  King  went  out, 
And  with  him  many  officers  and  men. 
Meanwhile  the  Princess  Lila  Sari  sent 
A  summons  to  a  jeweller  of  skill. 
And  at  the  same  time  called  her  four  dyangs, 
Who  came  and  sat.    Dang  Wilapat  bowed  low 
And  said,  "  Our  greetings  to  thee,  princess  great." 


BIDASARl  II 

The  Queen  replied :   "  Go  forth,  dyangs,  at  once 

And  find  me  gold  and  dust  of  gold,  and  take 

It  all  unto  a  goldsmith.    Let  him  make 

For  me  a  fan,  all  decked  with  beauteous  gems. 

With  rubies  red  and  pearls ;  and  after  that 

A  girdle  virginal.    Count  not  the  price. 

I  want  it  all  as  quickly  as  may  be." 

And  so  they  hastened,  took  the  gold,  and  went 

Outside  the  city,  through  the  whole  campong 

Of  goldsmiths,  seeking  there  the  best  to  make 

The  fan  and  girdle.    And  the  hammered  gold 

Soon  shone  with  many  amethysts  and  gems. 

It  was  a  marvel  to  behold  those  rare 

And  quaintly  fashioned  ornaments,  to  deck 

A  sultaness.    Of  priceless  worth  they  were. 

Four  days,  and  all  was  ready  for  the  Queen. 

But  she  had  never  eaten  all  this  time 

Because  of  grief.    She  thought  the  fan  more  fine 

Than  Java  princess  ever  yet  possessed. 

She  called  the  four  dyangs  and  said  to  them : 

"  A  secret  mission  have  I  now  for  ye. 

Go  up  and  down  among  the  officers 

And  show  this  fan  for  sale,  but  never  name 

The  price.     Seek  ever  if  there  be  a  face 

More  beautiful  than  mine ;  and  should  ye  find 

A  face  more  fair,  come  tell  it  straight  to  me. 

If  ye  obey  my  will  I'll  make  ye  all 

Inspectresses  within  the  royal  home." 

Then  forth  the  women  went  upon  the  quest. 

And  first  among  their  friends  they  went  with  words 

Of  mystery  and  hints  of  wondrous  things 

They  had  for  sale.    And  so  these  servants  bore 

The  story  to  their  masters,  "  The  dyangs 

Have  something  wonderful  to  sell."    And  soon 

The  daughters  of  the  houses  rich  began 

To  clamor  for  a  sight  of  this  great  prize. 

Then  the  dyangs  went  to  the  houses  all. 

The  young  girls  said,  "  Oh,  tell  us  now  the  price." 

Dyang  Wiravan  quickly  answered,  then 

Dyang  Podagah :  "  Tis  a  princely  thing ; 


12  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

ril  go  and  ask  the  price  and  tell  it  thee.'* 

And  so  they  spoke,  and  so  they  looked  about 

To  find  a  face  more  beautiful  and  rare 

Than  their  own  Queen's,  and  wearied  in  the  search. 

"  Where  can  we  further  look  ?  "  they  said,  and  then 

Bethought  them  of  the  strangers  and  the  priests. 

But  in  that  quarter  no  one  dared  to  touch 

The  precious  things,  but  thought  it  passing  strange 

The  Queen  should  wish  to  sell.    To  the  campong 

Of  merchants  next  they  went.    A  double  line 

Of  ramparts  guarded  it.    "  Here  is  more  stir 

And  gayety,"  they  said,  "  with  sport  and  song. 

Than  elsewhere  have  we  found."    And  so  they  sought 

The  richest  merchants.    "  We  have  something  rare," 

They  said,  "  made  by  an  artist  Javanese." 

When  Bidasari's  servants  saw  these  folk 

They  said:  "  Bring  these  things  to  our  house  and  we 

Will  show  them  to  our  master.    He  will  buy." 

Then  the  dyangs  with  smiles  replied :   "  They  are 

Not  ours,  but  our  good  Queen's.    And  only  we 

May  show  them,  lest  a  stone  be  lost,  perchance, 

And  we  be  punished."    Bidasari's  maids 

Were  glad  and  said,  "  Wait  but  a  moment  here 

Until  we  find  what  Bidasari  wills." 

They  found  her  with  her  maids,  and  told  the  tale. 

Then  Bidasari  bade  them  bring  to  her 

The  stranger  folk,  and  said,  "  If  I  be  pleased 

I'll  buy."    Dang  Ratna  Watie  went  and  told 

The  women  that  young  Bidasari  wished 

To  see  their  wares.    The  four  dyangs  came  in 

Together.    Joy  their  faces  all  suffused, 

But  they  seemed  timid,  modest,  full  of  fear. 

Then  Bidasari's  women  said  to  them : 

"  Come,  O  young  women,  all  are  loyal  here. 

Enter,  our  sisters  and  our  friends." 

Now  when 
The  Queen's  dyangs  had  looked  about  them  there 
They  all  were  dazzled,  Bidasari's  face 
So  beautiful  appeared.    How  beat  their  hearts ! 
As  they  upon  her  lovely  features  gazed, 


BIDASARI  13 

Each  murmured  to  herself,  "  She  is  more  fair 
Than  our  great  Queen." 

Then  Bidasari  wished 
To  buy  the  fan,  and  sent  a  maid  to  ask 
Her  parents  for  the  gold.    The  merchant  said, 
"  Go  see  what  thing  it  is,  and  weigh  the  gold 
For  her."    The  mother  feared  a  trap  or  trick. 
"  Oh,  do  not  buy  the  fan,  my  child,"  she  said  ; 
"  I'll  buy  a  finer  one  for  thee.    Send  this 
Away."    But  when  her  father  saw  her  tears 
Of  disappointment,  "  It  is  thine,"  he  said. 
**  What  is  the  price  ?     I'd  buy  it  though  it  cost 
Thy  weight  in  gold,  my  darling.    Tell  me  now, 
Dyangs.'*    Tjendra  Melinee  answered  him, 
"  Are  two  timbangs  too  much  ?  "    ''  I'm  very  poor," 
He  said ;  "  but  I  will  buy  it  for  the  child." 
The  gold  was  weighed.    The  four  dyangs  straightway 
Departed,  hurried  to  the  Queen  and  said: 
"  At  last  we  have  discovered,  O  our  Queen, 
What  thou  hast  sought.     'Tis  in  a  near  campong 
Of  merchants  very  rich  and  great.    Oh,  there 
We  found  a  princess  fairer  than  the  day ; 
More  like  an  angel  than  a  mortal  maid. 
No  woman  in  this  land  compares  with  her. 
Her  name  is  Bidasari.    And  the  King 
Would  surely  marry  her  if  once  they  met. 
For  soon  she  will  be  ready  for  a  spouse ; 
Her  innocence  is  charming.    Like  a  cloud 
The  merchant  and  his  wife  keep  watchful  guard. 
Her  hair  is  curly,  like  a  flower  full  blown. 
Her  brow  is  like  the  moon  but  one  day  old. 
She's  like  a  ring  in  Peylou  made.    She  would 
Outshine  thy  beauty,  shouldst  thou  bring  her  here." 
The  princess  heard  and  quickly  said :    "  I  feel 
My  hatred  rise.    Oh,  may  I  never  see 
Her  face !    To  hear  ye  speak  of  her  inflames 
My  heart  with  anger.    Say,  why  do  ye  think 
That  she's  more  fair  than  I  ?  "    Then  made  reply 
The  women :  "  Bidasari's  eyes  are  soft. 
Her  smile  is  sweet,  her  skin  is  tinted  like 


^  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  green  tjempakka,  and  her  graceful  form 

Resembles  some  famed  statue  nobly  made. 

Her  cheeks  are  like  the  bill  of  flying  bird. 

We  loved  to  look  upon  her  neck.    Her  nose 

Is  like  a  jasmine  bud.    Her  pretty  face 

Is  like  the  yellow  of  an  egg.    Her  thoughts 

Are  pure  as  crystal.    And  she  wears  her  hair 

In  such  a  charming  way.     Her  lips  are  like 

A  little  polished  box.    The  flowers  she  wears 

But  make  her  look  the  prettier.    Her  teeth 

Are  like  a  bright  pomegranate.    Ah,  the  heart 

Doth  open  when  one  looketh  on  her  face. 

She's  like  a  princess  of  the  Mount  Lidang. 

Her  features  are  like  those  of  Nilagendi. 

Her  heels  are  like  the  eggs  of  hens,  and  make 

Her  seem  a  princess  of  Siam.     Her  fingers 

More  tapering  are  than  quills  of  porcupine. 

And  solid  is  the  nail  of  her  left  hand. 

No  noble's  girl  is  Bidasari's  peer." 

Now  when  the  princess  heard  them  sing  her  praise 

Her  soul  was  wounded  as  if  by  a  thorn. 

Her  dark  eyes  flashed.    "  Ah,  speak  no  more  of  her," 

She  said,  "  nor  speak  abroad  what  ye  have  seen. 

But  bring  me  Bidasari.    I  would  see 

If  what  ye  say  be  true." 

"  Then  we  must  take 
Her  presents  first,  and  strive  to  gain  by  them 
Her  friendship,  and  attain  our  end  at  last." 
They  went  to  see  her  every  day,  and  bore 
Rich  gifts. 

The  merchant  and  his  wife  remarked 
The  visits  of  the  Queen's  dyangs,  and  how 
They  loved  their  daughter.    That  is  why  they  gave 
Them  all  that  they  desired.    But  the  dyangs 
Among  themselves  kept  saying :   "  How  can  we 
Take  her  away  ?    We  love  her  so,  and  deep 
Within  our  hearts  we  pity  her.    And  now 
Her  parents  have  such  trust  in  us,  and  load 
Us  down  with  gifts.     But  when,  alas,  at  home 
The  princess  questions  us,  what  shall  we  say? 


BIDASARI  15 

For  she's  a  powerful  Queen.    Yet  if  we  mak« 
Unhappy  this  dear  girl  of  these  good  folk, 
Shall  we  not  sin  ?    And  still  the  princess  is 
So  violent  and  harsh !    Her  jealousy 
Would  know  no  limit  should  the  King  but  hear 
Of  this  aflfair." 

Dang  Djoudah  answering  spoke : 
"  We  all  can  go  to  her  and  quiet  her. 
A  word  suffices  oft.    She  is  our  Queen, 
But  to  the  King  belongeth  power  supreme. 
If  Bidasari  should  disdain  the  throne 
We  shall  renounce  our  functions  at  the  court. 
For  what  the  Queen  desires  is  most  unjust. 
And  if  we  prove  unfaithful  we  shall  be 
Overwhelmed  with  maledictions."    Thus  they  spoke 
And  went  back  to  the  busy-lived  campong 
Of  merchants.    Here  they  thought  to  go  and  find 
Djouhara,  and  obtain  what  they  desired. 
A  messenger  went  after  them  and  said : 
"  To  Dang  Bidouri :  Come  at  once ;  my  friend 
The  princess  summons  you."     Then  the  dyangs 
Went  to  the  Queen  and  found  her  with  the  King 
At  dinner.     With  malicious  wink  of  eye 
She  made  them  understand  they  must  not  talk 
Before  the  prince.     When  he  had  dined  he  took 
Some  siri  from  the  betel-box,  himself 
Anointed  with  a  perfume  sweet,  and  went 
To  teach  the  young  folk  how  to  ride  and  shoot 
The  arrow  straight,  and  played  at  many  games. 
Meanwhile  the  princess  Lila  Sari  called 
Before  her  the  dyangs  and  questioned  them : 
"  Why  have  ye  come  so  late  ?  "     Bidouri  bowed 
And  said :     "  'Twas  very  hard  to  bring  her  here 
To  thee.     The  merchant  and  his  wife  do  not 
A  moment  leave  her,  for  they  love  her  so. 
Her  tiring-women  ever  are  about. 
Thou  shouldst  demand  her  of  her  parents,  if 
Thou  dost  desire  to  see  her.    Treat  her  Hke 
Thy  child,  for  she  is  still  so  very  young ! 
From  Bidasari's  father  thou  wilt  gain 


1 6  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

All  that  thou  canst  desire,  he  is  so  rich, 

If  thou  wilt  only  love  his  daughter  dear. 

And  dost  thou  give  command  to  bring  her  here? 

Let  us  go  all  alone  and  summon  her 

For  Bidasari  '11  freely  follow  us." 

They  tried  to  calm  the  anger  of  the  Queen. 

She  bowed  her  head  in  silence,  but  her  soul 

Was  very  heavy,  and  hypocrisy 

With  hate  and  envy  vied  within  her  heart. 

"  They  love  the  child,  these  dyangs,"  to  herself 

She  said,  "  and  I  shall  have  no  easy  task. 

I  shall  attract  her  here  by  trickery, 

But  she  shall  never  my  companion  be. 

With  Bidasari  once  within  my  power 

My  heart  will  be  no  longer  on  the  rack. 

Go  now,  dyangs,"  she  said,  "  and  seek  for  me 

The  merchant  and  his  wife  and  hither  bring 

Young  Bidasari,  whom  I'll  elevate 

Unto  the  rank  of  princess,  for  I  have 

No  child.     Mazendra  take  with  ye.     And  when 

Young  Bidasari  shall  arrive,  conceal 

Her  for  a  day  or  two.    And  gently  speak 

Unto  the  merchant  and  his  wife,  and  say 

Concessions  will  be  granted  to  the  priests 

And  strangers  in  their  quarter,  should  she  come. 

Console  Lila  Djouhara  thus,  and  pledge 

That  he  may  come  to  see  his  child  whene'er 

His  heart  impelleth  him."    An  escort  went 

With  them,  and  the  dyangs  bowed  low  before 

The  merchant  and  his  wife,  and  greeted,  too, 

Fair  Bidasari.     But  the  merchant  said: 

"  Why  come  ye  here  in  so  great  numbers  ?  "     Then 

They  straight  replied :    "  Our  most  beloved  Queen 

Hath  sent  us  here  with  greetings  unto  thee. 

The  master  of  the  house.     If  thou'lt  permit. 

We've  come  to  seek  fair  Bidasari  here." 

They  beat  their  breasts,  the  merchant  and  his  wife. 

"  Our  darling,  only  child !     It  will  be  hard 

For  her  to  be  the  servant  of  a  prince ; 

For  she  hath  had  her  way  so  long!    Her  traits 


BIDASARI  17 

Are  not  yet  formed.     Go  back,  dyangs,  and  pray 

The  Queen  to  pardon  us.     Say  how  we  grieve." 

But  the  dyangs  repeated  all  the  words 

Said  by  the  Queen,  and  so  their  fears  were  calmed. 

They  hoped  Queen  Lila  Sari  would  love  well 

Fair  Bidasari.     Then  the  merchant  said: 

"  I  will  obey,  and  let  my  darling  go. 

So  that  she  may  become  unto  the  Queen 

A  servant,  and  perchance  a  daughter  loved. 

Now  shall  she  go  with  ye.     Only  I  beg 

The  Queen  to  let  her  come  back  home  to  us 

At  three  days'  end.     She  is  not  used  to  stay 

With  strangers.     Never  hath  she  left  us  for 

A  single  day."    Then  Dang  Bidouri  said: 

**  We'll  do  our  best  before  the  Queen ;  and  why 

Should  she  not  grant  to  Bidasari  this  ?  " 

They  bathed  fair  Bidasari  with  sweet  scents, 

And  then  arranged  her  in  rich  raiment  new. 

A  fine  sijrash  she  wore  with  broidered  flowers 

Of  Pekan,  and  a  satin  robe  all  fringed 

With  gold.     She  bore  a  plaque  of  beaten  gold 

Bound  to  a  necklace,  chiselled,  gem-bedecked ; 

Her  over-tunic  was  of  yellow  silk 

With  tiny  serpents  on  the  buttons  'graved. 

Three  bracelets  wore  the  maid,  and  rarest  rings, 

And  ear-rings  like  a  wheel  in  motion  wrought. 

Chaste  links  of  gold  set  forth  her  beauty  rare, 

A  fair  flow'r  in  a  vase,  whose  perfume  sweet 

Wafts  scented  breaths  as  far  as  one  may  see. 

They  kissed  her  then  with  tears  and  held  her  close 

Upon  their  breasts.    "  Be  humble  to  the  Queen," 

They  said,  "  remember  that  thou  art  before 

The  King,  and  near  the  throne.    Ask  leave  to  come 

To  see  us  when  thou  dost  desire.    Speak  sweetly 

With  low  and  gentle  voice." 

Thus  they  enjoined. 
And  then  the  merchant  said,  "  Dyangs^  if  ye 
Love  Bidasari,  see  ye  vex  her  not." 
They  dried  their  tears  and  said :   "  Be  without  fear. 
Intrust  thy  daughter  to  our  mistress  dear." 


t8  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

"  My  child,"  he  said,  ''  I'll  come  to  see  thee  oft. 

Thou  wilt  be  better  there,  my  love,  than  here." 

But  Bidasari  wept  and  cried :   **  Oh,  come, 

Dear  mother,  with  me !     Wilt  thou  not,  alas  ?  " 

But  the  fond  parents  were  astounded  then 

To  learn  the  mother  was  not  asked  to  come. 

She  stayed  with  tears,  the  while  the  father  went. 

As  far  as  to  the  city's  gates.     With  tears 

He  said :   "  Farewell,  O  apple  of  my  eye 

I  leave  thee  here.     Fear  not,  my  dearest  child." 

Then  Bidasari  wept.     Her  heart  was  wrung. 

She  went.    The  merchant  followed  with  his  eyes. 

She  entered  by  a  hidden  door.    Dyangs 

And  mandars  flocked  to  see  her,  but  she  hung 

Her  head  and  kept  her  eyes  downcast. 

The  sun 
Announced  the  evening,  and  the  King  was  still 
Surrounded  by  his  officers.     'Twas  then 
Fair  Bidasari  to  the  palace  came. 
And  stood  before  the  Queen.     All  the  dyangs 
Sat  on  the  floor,  with  servants  of  the  house. 
Like  the  pengawas  Bidasari  bowed, 
'Mid  the  dyangs,  in  presence  of  the  Queen. 
They  gave  her  all  the  merchant's  gifts,  as  sign 
Of  homage.     All  astonished  was  the  Queen 
At  Bidasari's  beauty.    She  appeared 
Almost  divine.     Bidouri  spoke  and  said, 
"  Thou  seest  Bidasari,  O  our  Queen, 
Lila  Djouhari's  daughter."    At  these  words 
The  Queen  was  stupefied,  and  thought :   "  In  truth 
'Tis  as  they  said.    She  is  more  lovely  than 
The  fairest  work  of  art."    Bidouri  told 
All  that  the  merchant  and  his  wife  had  said. 
The  Queen  inclined  her  head  and  silence  kept. 
But  wicked  thoughts  were  surging  in  her  brain. 
A  combat  raged  within  her  heart.    She  feared 
The  King  might  see  the  maiden.     "  Send  away/* 
She  said,  "  the  nurses  and  the  women  all." 
Fair  Bidasari  wept  when  they  retired. 
The  princess  called  her  to  her  side  and  said : 


BIDASARI  19 

"  Thou  must  not  weep  so,  Bidasari.    They 

Will  all  return.    When  thou  dost  wish  to  go, 

They  will  go  with  thee.    Now  depart,  dyangs. 

Ye  need  not  care  for  Bidasari  more. 

I  will  procure  her  dames  of  company 

And  servants.    You  may  come  from  time  to  time." 

So  they  arose,  and,  with  prostrations,  went. 

The  Queen  conducted  Bidasari  then 

Into  a  room  and  left  her  all  alone, 

And  all  afraid. 

When  evening  shadows  fell, 
The  great  King  bade  the  Queen  to  sup  with  him. 
He  sat  beside  her^  smiled  and  gayly  talked, 
As  he  had  been  young  Bedouwandas,  on 
His  horse,  with  sword  at  belt.    "  My  royal  spouse,  , 
How  thou  dost  love  me!  for  thou  wouldst  not  sup 
Without  me,  though  thou  needest  food  and  drink." 
Now  when  the  King  had  eaten,  he  retired 
Unto  his  sleeping-chamber. 

Still  alone 
And  weeping  much,  fair  Bidasari  stayed. 
In  darkness  with  no  one  to  speak  to  her. 
She  thought  on  her  dear  parents.    "  O  my  God ! 
Why  dost  Thou  leave  me  here  ?  "  The  solitude 
Filled  her  with  terror,  and  she  wept  until 
The  middle  of  the  night,  and  thought  of  home. 
Out  spake  the  King:    ''  Now  what  is  that  I  hear? 
What  voice  is  that  so  sorrowful  and  sweet?  " 
"  It  is  an  infant  crying,"  said  the  Queen. 
"  In  all  the  darkness  it  has  lost  its  way.'' 
Her  heart  was  burning,  and  she  sent  a  word 
To  Bidasari  that  she  must  not  weep, 
And  held  her  peace  and  waited  till  the  dawn. 
But  Bidasari  wept  the  whole  night  long 
And  cried  for  home.    When  the  dyangs  all  ran 
To  comfort  her,  they  found  the  door  was  locked. 
And  none  could  enter.    Bidasari  thought, 
"  What  wrong  have  I  committed,  that  the  Queen 
Should  be  so  vexed  with  me  ?  "    When  day  appeared. 
To  the  pavilion  went  the  King.    The  Queen 


30  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Threw  wide  the  door  of  Bidasari's  room 
And  entered  all  alone. 

Then  Bidasari 
The  Queen's  hand  kissed,  and  begged  that  she  would  let 
Her  homeward  fare.     "  O  gracious  Queen,"  she  said, 
"  Take  pity  on  me ;  let  me  go  away. 
I'll  come  to  thee  again." 

The  wicked  Queen 
Struck  her,  and  said,  "  Thou  ne'er  shalt  see  again 
Thy  home."    The  gentle  Bidasari  drooped 
Her  head  and  wept  afresh,  shaking  with  fear. 
"  Forgive  the  evil  I  have  done,  my  Queen, 
For  I  am  but  a  child,  and  do  not  know 
How  I  have  sinned  against  thee,"  falling  at 
Her  feet  she  said.    The  Queen  in  anger  struck 
Her  once  again.    "  I  know  full  well,"  she  said, 
"All  thy  designs  and  projects.     What!     Am  I 
To  rest  in  peace  and  see  thy  beauty  grow. 
And  thee  become  my  rival  with  the  King?" 
Then  Bidasari  knew  'twas  jealousy 
That  caused  the  fury  of  the  Queen.    Her  fear 
Increased,  she  trembled  and  bewailed  her  fate. 
The  livelong  day  she  was  insulted,  struck, 
And  of  her  food  deprived. 

Before  the  King 
Returned,  the  Queen  departed  from  the  room 
Of  Bidasari.    The  poor  child  had  lost 
Her  former  color.     Black  her  face  had  grown 
From  blows,  as  if  she  had  been  burnt.    Her  eyes 
She  could  not  open.    Such  her  sufferings  were 
She  could  not  walk.    Then  unto  God  she  cried : 
"  O  Lord,  creator  of  the  land  and  sea, 
I  do  not  know  my  fault,  and  yet  the  Queen 
Treats  me  as  guilty  of  a  heinous  crime. 
I  suffer  hell  on  earth.    Why  must  I  live? 
Oh,  let  me  die  now,  in  the  faith,  dear  Lord. 
My  soul  is  troubled  and  my  face  is  black 
With  sorrow.    Let  me  die  before  the  dawn. 
My  parents  do  not  help  me.    They  have  left 
Me  here  alone  to  suffer.    In  the  false 


BIDASARI  SI 

Dyangs  I  trusted,  as  to  sisters  dear. 

Their  lips  are  smiling,  but  their  hearts  are  base. 

Their  mouths  are  sweet  as  honey,  but  their  hearts 

Are  full  of  evil.    Oh,  what  can  I  say  ? 

It  is  the  will  of  God." 

Such  was  the  grief 
Of  Bidasari,  and  her  tears  fell  fast. 
Now  when  the  King  went  forth  again,  the  Queen 
Began  anew  her  persecutions  harsh. 
With  many  blows  and  angry  words,  she  said : 
"  Why  dost  thou  groan  so  loudly  ?    Dost  thou  seek 
By  crying  to  attract  the  King,  to  see 
Thy  beauty  ?      Tis  thy  hope,  I  know  full  well, 
His  younger  wife  to  be.    And  thou  art  proud 
Of  all  thy  beauty."     Bidasari  was 
Astounded,  and  replied  with  many  tears: 
"  May  I  accursed  be  if  ever  I 
Such  plottings  knew.    Thou  art  a  mighty  Queen. 
If  I  have  sinned  against  thee,  let  me  die 
At  once.    For  life  is  useless  to  the  hearts 
That  suffer.    Hast  thou  brought  me  here  to  beat? 
How  thou  hast  made  me  weep !    O  Queen,  art  thou 
Without  compassion  ?  " 

All  possessed  with  rage 
The  Queen  replied :    "  I  do  not  pity  thee. 
I  hate  thee,  when  I  see  thee.    Open  not 
Thy  mouth  again."    The  wicked  Queen  then  seized 
The  lovely  tresses  of  the  beauteous  maid^ 
And  took  a  piece  of  wood  with  which  to  strike ; 
But  Bidasari  wept  and  swooned  away. 
The  King's  voice  sounded  through  the  corridor. 
As  he  returned.     The  Queen  then  hastened  forth 
And  left  a  mandar  there  to  close  and  guard 
Fair  Bidasari's  room,  that  nothing  should 
Be  seen.    Then  asked  the  King  of  her,  "  Whom  hast 
Thou  beaten  now  ?  "     The  hypocrite  replied, 
"  It  was  a  child  that  disobeyed  my  will." 
"  Are  there  not  others  for  that  discipline  ? 
Is  it  for  thee  to  strike  ?  "    His  siri  then 
He  took,  and  kissed  the  Queen  with  fondest  love. 


a  3  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

All  the  dyangs  fair  Bidasari's  plight 
Observed,  and  kindly  pity  filled  their  breasts. 
"  How  cruel  is  the  conduct  of  the  Queen !  "     , 
They  said.    "  She  made  us  bring  her  to  her  side 
But  to  maltreat  the  child  the  livelong  day. 
It  seems  as  if  she  wished  to  slay  her  quite." 
Then  secretly  they  went,  with  some  to  watch, 
And  sprinkled  Bidasari's  brow.    To  life 
She  came,  and  opened  those  dear  wistful  eyes. 
"  My  friends,"  she  said^  "  I  pray  ye,  let  me  go 
Back  home  again  unto  my  father's  house." 
"  Oh,  trust  in  God,  my  child,"  said  one  in  tears. 
"  My  lot  is  written  from  eternity. 
Oh,  pray  the  princess  great  to  take  my  life," 
The  poor  child  cried ;  "  I  can  no  longer  stand ; 
My  bones  are  feeble.    Oh,  she  has  no  heart !  " 
But  the  dyangs,  for  fear  the  Queen  might  see. 
All  fled. 

Meanwhile  the  merchant  and  his  wife 
Wept  all  the  day,  and  sighed  for  their  dear  child. 
Sweet  Bidasari.     Nor  did  gentle  sleep 
Caress  their  eyes  at  night.    Each  day  they  sent 
Rich  presents  of  all  kinds,  and  half  of  them 
Were  for  the  child.  But  naught  the  wicked  Queen 
To  Bidasari  gave.    So  five  days  passed 
And  then  Dyang  Menzara  forth  they  sent. 
The  merchant  said :    "  Oh,  tell  the  mighty  Queen 
That  I  must  Bidasari  see.    I'll  bring 
Her  back  in  three  days'  time."    The  good 
Dyang  went  to  the  queen  and  bowing  low : 
"  The  merchant  fain  would  see  his  child,"  she  said. 
At  this  the  features  of  the  Queen  grew  hard. 
"  Did  they  not  give  their  child  to  me  ?    Now  scarce 
A  day  has  passed,  and  they  must  see  her  face. 
Is  it  thine  own  wish  or  the  merchant's?    I 
Have  said  the  girl  could  go  where'er  she  would. 
Can  I  not  have  her  taken  back  myself  ?  " 
Then  the  dyang  bowed,  beat  her  breast,  and  went. 
Sad  that  she  could  not  Bidasari  see. 
And  quaking  at  the  anger  of  the  Queen. 


BIDASARI  23 

Of  the  dyang,  fair  Bidasari  heard 

The  voice,  and  felt  her  heart  break  that  she  could 

Not  speak  to  her  and  send  a  message  home. 

Upon  the  morrow,  when  the  King  had  gone 

Among  his  ministers  and  men  of  state, 

The  Queen  again  to  Bidasari's  room 

Repaired,  to  beat  her  more.    As  soon  as  she 

Beheld  the  Queen,  poor  Bidasari  prayed 

To  her,  "  O  sovereign  lady  great,  permit 

That  I  may  go  unto  my  father's  house." 

The  princess  shook  with  rage,  her  face  on  fire. 

"  If  thou  but  sayest  a  word,  I'll  slay  thee  here.'* 

To  whom  could  Bidasari  turn?    She  bent 

Before  the  will  of  God,  and  in  a  sweet 

Voice  said :    ''  O  Lord,  my  God,  have  pity  now 

Upon  me,  for  the  cruel  world  has  none. 

Grant  now  the  Queen's  desire  and  let  me  die. 

For  she  reproacheth  me,  though  naught  I've  done. 

My  parents  have  forgotten  me,  nor  send 

A  word."    The  .angry  princess  struck  again 

Her  piteous  face,  and  as  she  swooned  away 

A  napkin  took  to  twist  into  a  cord 

And  strangle  her.    She  summoned  to  her  aid 

Dang  Ratna  Wali.    "  Help  me  pluck  this  weed ; 

I  wish  to  kill  her."    But  the  woman  fled. 

As  base  as  cruel.    Bidasari's  ghost 

Arose  before  her.    Yet  the  child  came  back 

To  consciousness,  and  thought  amid  her  tears : 

''I'll  tell  the  story  of  the  golden  fish 

Unto  the  Queen,  that  she  may  know  it  all ; 

For  I  can  but  a  little  while  endure 

These  pains."    She  spoke  then  to  the  Queen  and  said : 

"  O  Queen,  thou  dost  desire  that  I  shall  die. 

Seek  out  a  little  casket  that  doth  lie 

All  hidden  in  the  fish-pond  at  our  house. 

Within  it  is  a  fish.     Have  it  brought  here 

And  I  will  tell  thee  what  it  signifies." 

The  princess  called  Dyang  Sendari :     "  Go 

And  bring  here  the  dyangs,  with  no  delay, 


24 


MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

From  out  the  merchant's  house."    When  they  arrived : 

**  Go,  now,  dyangs,  for  Bidasari  saith 

There  is  a  little  casket  in  the  pond 

Where  she  is  wont  to  bathe.     Go  bring  it  me, 

In  silence,  letting  no  one  see  ye  come." 

Then  the  dyangs  replied :    "  Oh,  hear  our  prayer. 

For  Bidasari.    How  her  parents  grieve ! 

Oh,  pardon,  princess,  let  her  go  with  us." 

The  Queen  with  smiles  responded :    "  The  young  girl 

Is  very  happy  here,  and  full  of  joy. 

Her  parents  must  not  grieve,  for  in  two  days 

If  Bidasari  doth  desire  to  go 

I'll  send  her  freely.    She  is  vexed  that  ye 

Come  here  so  often."    The  dyangs  bowed  low, 

And  smiled,  and  called  enticingly :     "  Come  forth, 

O  charming  child,  pure  soul ;  it  is  not  right 

To  treat  us  so,  for  we  have  come  to  see 

Thy  lovely  face,  and  in  its  beauty  bask." 

Sweet  Bidasari  heard,  and  could  not  speak^ 

But  answered  with  her  tears.    The  cruel  Queen 

Said  to  them :    "  Speak  no  more.    But  if  ye  bring 

The  little  casket,  ye  will  fill  the  heart 

Of  Bidasari  with  great  joy."    Forth  fared 

Then  the  dyangs,  and  found  the  casket  small. 

And  brought  it  to  the  palace  of  the  Queen. 

Again  to  Bidasari  called  the  good 

Dyangs:    "  Oh,  come,  dear  heart,  and  take  it  from 

Our  hands  yourself."    "  She  sleeps,"  the  princess  said. 

"  Come  back  to-morrow."    So  they  bowed  and  went. 

The  princess  hastened  with  the  casket  rich 

To  Bidasari's  room,  and  opened  it 

Before  her  eyes.    Within  it  was  a  box 

Of  agate,  beautiful  to  see,  and  filled 

With  water  wherein  swam  a  little  fish 

Of  form  most  ravishing.    The  princess  stood 

Amazed  to  see  with  eyes  of  fire  a  fish 

That  swam.    Then  was  she  glad,  and  spoke  with  joy 

To  Bidasari :     "  Say  what  signifies 

The  fish  to  thee?    What  shall  I  do  with  it?  " 

Theij  Bidasari  bowed  and  said :    "  My  soul 


BIDASARI  25 

Is  in  that  fish.    At  dawn  must  thou  remove 
It  from  the  water,  and  at  night  replace. 
"  Leave  it  not  here  and  there,  but  hang  it  from  , 
Thy  neck.    If  this  thou  dost,  I  soon  shall  die. 
My  words  are  true.    Neglect  no  single  day 
To  do  as  I  have  said,  and  in  three  days 
Thou'lt  see  me  dead." 

The  Queen  felt  in  her  heart 
A  joy  unspeakable.    She  took  the  fish 
And  wore  it  on  a  ribbon  round  her  neck. 
Unto  the  Queen  then  Bidasari  spoke, 
"  Oh,  give  my  body  to  my  parents  dear 
When  I  am  dead."    Again  the  young  maid  swooned. 
The  Queen  believed  her  dead,  and  ceased  to  beat 
Her  more.    But  she  yet  lived,  though  seeming  dead. 
The  joyful  Queen  a  white  cloth  over  her 
Then  spread^  and  called  aloud  to  the  dyangs, 
"  Take  Bidasari  to  her  father's  house." 
They  groaned  and  trembled  when  they  saw  that  she 
Was  dead,  and  said  with  many  tears :    "  Alas ! 
O  dearest  one,  O  gold  all  virginal ! 
What  shall  we  say  when  we  thy  parents  see  ? 
They'll  beat  their  breasts  and  die  of  grief.    They  gave 
Thee  to  the  King  because  they  trusted  us." 
But  the  proud  Queen,  her  face  all  red  with  hate: 
"  Why  stay  ye  ?    Take  the  wretched  girl  away." 
They  saw  the  Queen's  great  rage,  and  bore  the  maid 
Upon  their  shoulders  forth,  and  carried  her 
Unto  her  father's  house  at  dead  of  night. 
Fear  seized  the  merchant.    "  Say  what  bring  ye  here? 
Tell  me,  dyangs."     They  placed  her  on  the  ground. 
The  merchant  and  his  ^yife,  beside  themselves, 
With  tears  embraced  her  form.    "  I  trusted  in 
The  Queen,  and  so  I  sent  my  child  to  her. 
O  daughter  dear,  so  young,  so  pure,  so  sweet. 
What  hast  thou  done  that  could  the  Queen  displease, 
That  she  should  send  thee  home  like  this  to  me? 
How  could  the  Queen  treat  Bidasari  so? 
For  seven  days  she  imprisoned  her  and  sent 
Her  home  in  death.   Ah,  noble  child !  alas ! 


t6  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Thy  father's  heart  will  break,  no  more  to  hear 
Thy  voice.    Speak  to  thy  father,  O  my  child, 
My  pearl,  my  gem  of  women,  purest  gold. 
Branch  of  my  heart ;  canst  thou  not  quiet  me  ? 
O  Bidasari,  why  art  thou  so  still  ? 
Arise,  my  pretty  child,  arise  and  play 
With  all  thy  maids.    Here  is  thy  mother,  come 
To  greet  thee.    Bid  her  welcome.    Why  art  thou 
So  motionless?    Hast  thou  no  pity,  dear. 
To  see  thy  father  overwhelmed  with  woe  ? 
My  heart  is  bursting  with  despair  because 
Thou'rt  lost  to  me." 

Long  time  the  merchant  thus 
Lamented.    "  What  have  I  to  live  for  now  ? 
Since  thou  art  dead,  thy  father  too  shall  die. 
It  is  his  lot  both  night  and  day  to  sigh 
For  thee.    My  God,  I  cannot  understand 
Why  this  dear  child  should  thus  a  victim  be ! 
'Tis  the  dyangs  who  have  this  evil  wrought." 
Then,  through  the  whole  campong,  the  merchants  all 
Made  lamentations,  rolling  on  the  ground, 
With  noise  of  thunder,  and  their  hearts  on  fire. 
They  sought  to  speak  and  could  not.    Then  began 
Again  the  merchant,  and  unto  his  friends 
Told  his  misfortune,  asking  back  his  child. 

The  Queen's  dyangs  shed  tears,  and  gently  said : 

"  Speak  not  so  loudly.    Thou  dost  know  that  we 

Are  but  poor  servants,  and  we  tremble  lest 

The  Queen  should  hear.    If  any  one  of  us 

Had  done  this  wrong,  we'd  tell  it  to  the  King. 

Fate  only  is  at  fault.    Oh,  be  not  wroth 

With  us.    Our  will  was  good.    We  had  no  end 

Except  to  see  thy  lovely  daughter  great 

And  powerful.     Naught  the  King  hath  known  of  this. 

It  was  the  Queen's  mad  jealousy  and  hate." 

The  merchant  and  his  wife  accepted  these. 
The  dyangs'  words.    ''  It  is  as  they  declare. 


BIDASARI  87 

The  Queen  was  jealous  and  embittered  thus 

Against  our  Bidasari.    To  your  home 

Return,  dyangs.    I  fear  me  that  the  Queen 

May  learn  of  your  delay  and  punish  ye." 

They  bowed  and  went,  with  hearts  of  burning  grief. 


The  merchant  and  his  wife  then  lifted  up 

Poor  Bidasari.    They  were  all  but  dead 

With  sorrow.    On  his  knees  the  father  took 

The  body  wrapped  in  crimson  silk.    He  felt 

A  warmth.    Then  he  remembered  that  within 

The  water  was  her  vital  spirit  still, 

And,  placing  her  upon  a  mat,  sent  Dang 

Poulam,  the  casket  from  the  pond  to  bring. 

But  'twas  not  there.    Then  all  the  household  searched, 

But  found  it  not.    The  merchant  beat  his  breast. 

"  Branch  of  my  heart,"  he  said,  "  we  all  had  thought 

Thou  wouldst  become  a  princess.    I  have  lost 

My  reason.     I  hoped  now  to  summon  back 

Thy  spirit  vital,  but  the  casket's  lost. 

My  hope  is  gone.    It  may  be  the  dyangs 

Have  stolen  it.    They're  faithful  to  the  Queen. 

We  may  not  trust  in  them.    They're  filled  with  hate 

And  trickery."    Unconscious  all  the  time 

Lay  Bidasari ;  but  at  midnight's  hour 

She  for  the  first  time  moved.    They  torches  brought 

And  there  behind  Egyptian  curtains,  right 

And  left,  ignited  them,  with  many  lamps' 

Soft  flames.   The  servants  watched  and  waited  there. 

The  father,  always  at  his  daughter's  side. 

With  fixed  glance  looked  for  life  to  come  once  more 

Back  to  his  darling  one.    She  moved  again. 

With  opening  eyes  she  saw  and  recognized 

Her  own  soft  couch,  her  parents,  and  her  maids. 

She  tried  but  could  not  speak.    Her  hot  tears  fell, 

She  slowly  turned  and  looked  with  fondest  love 

Upon  her  parents. 

When  the  merchant  saw 
That  Bidasari's  spirit  had  returned. 


s8  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

He  took  her  on  his  knees  and  gave  her  rice. 

She  could  not  walk  because  such  pain  she  felt. 

She  thought  upon  the  Queen  and  wept  afresh. 

They  dried  her  tears,  and  placed  within  her  mouth 

What  food  she  liked.    The  merchant  tenderly 

Said,  "  Bidasari,  dear,  what  has  thou  wrought 

To  cause  the  Queen  against  thee  thus  to  act  ?  " 

Young  Bidasari,  with  a  flood  of  tears,  replied : 

*'  No  wrong  at  all  I  wrought  the  cruel  Queen. 

All  suddenly  her  insults  she  began. 

And  beatings.''    They  were  stupefied  to  hear 

Such  tales.    "  Light  of  my  eyes,"  the  father  said, 

"  We  do  not  doubt  thine  innocence.     Her  deeds 

Were  those  of  madness.    For  her  haughty  birth 

I  care  no  whit.    Wisdom  and  virtue  bind 

True  hearts  alone.    As  friends  we  ne'er  must  name 

Those  false  dyangs.     Not  plants  medicinal. 

But  poison  foul,  are  they.    These  days  are  bad. 

Injustice  reigns.    Believe  me,  friends,  it  is 

A  sign  the  last  great  day  shall  soon  appear. 

Those  false  dyangs  are  but  a  race  of  slaves, 

Insensible  to  all  that's  good.    The  hour 

The  princess  knov/eth  Bidasari  lives, 

We  all  shall  die,  the  princess  is  so  wroth. 

Illustrious  Queen  they  call  her — ^but  her  words 

Are  hard  and  cruel.    May  the  curse  of  God 

O'erwhelm  her  and  annihilate!    From  thee, 

O  God,  she  shall  receive  the  punishment 

Deserved.    She  who  pursueth  thus  a  soul 

Shall  know  remorse  and  pain.    So  God  hath  willed. 

So  God  hath  willed.    Who  doth  another  harm 

Shall  suffer  in  his  turn.    It  shall  be  done 

To  him  as  he  hath  done  to  others.     So, 

My  child,  my  crown,  have  no  more  fear  at  all. 

Intrust  thyself  to  God.    The  cruel  Queen 

Shall  yet  be  treated  as  she  treated  thee." 

The  merchant  thus  lamented  till  the  night 

Was  half  departed,  shedding  sapphire  tears. 

The  innocent  young  girl,  like  marble  there. 


BIDASARI  29 

Slept  till  the  evening  twilight  came.    Toward  dawn 
She  swooned  anew. 

The  merchant  and  his  wife 
Were  much  disturbed  to  see  at  night  she  came 
To  life,  but  when  the  daylight  shone  again 
They  lost  her,  and  her  spirit  fled  away. 
This  so  distressed  the  merchant's  heart,  a  lone 
Retreat  he  sought  to  find.    The  parents  cried : 
"  O  dearest  child,  there's  treason  in  the  air. 
Hatred  and  anger  the  companions  are 
Of  lamentations  and  of  curses  dire. 
Foul  lies  for  gold  are  uttered.    Men  disdain 
The  promises  of  God,  the  faith  they  owe. 
Oh,  pardon,  God !    I  ne'er  thought  the  dyangs 
Would  thus  conspire.    But  since  they  are  so  bad 
And  treated  Bidasari  thus,  we'll  go 
And  in  the  desert  find  a  resting-place. 
And  may  it  be  a  refuge  for  us  all, 
Hidden  and  unapproachable. 

His  goods 
He  gathered  then,  and  all  his  servants  paid. 
And  built  a  home  far  in  the  desert  land, 
A  spot  agreeable.    A  cabin  there 
He  raised,  with  ramparts  hemmed  about,  and  strong 
SasakSj  and  seven  rows  of  palisades. 
They  placed  there  many  vases  full  of  flowers. 
And  every  sort  of  tree  for  fruit  and  shade, 
And  cool  pavilions.     This  plaisance  so  fair 
They  called  Pengtipourlara.     It  was  like 
The  garden  of  Batara  Indra.     All 
About,  the  merchant  set  pomegranate-trees 
And  vines  of  grape.     No  other  garden  was 
So  beautiful.     'Twas  like  the  garden  fair 
Of  great  Batara  Brahma,  filled  with  fruits. 
When  all  was  ready,  forth  they  went,  toward  night, 
And  took  young  Bidasari,  and  much  food. 
They  fared  two  days  and  came  unto  the  spot, 
A  garden  in  the  desert.     Softest  rugs 
From  China  there  were  spread  and  of  bright  hue 


30  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  decorations  were,  in  every  tint. 

The  house  was  hung  with  tapestries,  and  ceiled 

To  represent  the  heavens  flecked  with  clouds. 

And  all  about  were  lanterns  hung  and  lamps. 

Soft  curtains  and  a  couch  completed  this 

Enchanted  resting-place.     Always  the  light 

Was  uniform,  and  brilliant  as  the  day. 

'Twas  like  a  palace  of  a  mighty  king, 

Magnificent  and  grand  beyond  compare. 

There  was  a  table  on  a  damp  rug  set. 

With  drinks  for  Bidasari,  and  with  bowls 

Of  gold,  and  vases  of  souasa,  filled 

With  water.     All  of  this  beside  the  couch 

Was  placed,  with  yellow  siri,  and  with  pure 

Pinang,  all  odorous,  to  please  the  child. 

And  all  was  covered  with  a  silken  web. 

Young  Bidasari  bracelets  wore,  and  rings, 

And  ear-rings  diamond  studded.     Garments  four 

All  gem-bedecked  upon  a  cushion  lay, 

For  Bidasari's  wear.     When  night  had  come 

Young  Bidasari  waked.     Her  parents  dear 

Then  bathed  her,  and  her  tender  body  rubbed 

With  musk  and  aloes.     Then  she  straight  was  clad 

In  garments  of  her  choosing.     Her  dear  face 

Was  beautiful,  almost  divine.     She  had 

Regained  the  loveliness  she  erst  possessed. 

The  merchant  was  astonished,  seeing  her. 

He  told  her  then  that  they  would  leave  her  there, 

"  Branch  of  my  heart  and  apple  of  my  eye, 

My  dearest  child,  be  not  disturbed  at  this. 

I  do  not  mean  to  work  thee  any  harm, 

Nor  to  disown  thee,  but  to  rescue  thee 

From  death."     But  as  she  listened  to  these  words 

Young  Bidasari  wept.     She  thought  upon 

Her  fate.     Into  her  father's  arms  she  threw 

Herself,  and  cried :     **  Why  wilt  thou  leave  me  here, 

0  father  dearest,  in  this  desert  lone? 
I'll  have  no  one  to  call  in  case  of  need. 

1  fear  to  stay  alone.     No  one  there'll  be 
To  talk  to  me.     I  only  count  those  hours 


BIDASARI  31 

As  happy  when  I  have  my  parents  near." 

The  merchant  heard  fair  Bidasari's  words 

And  wept  with  his  dear  wife.     With  bitter  grief 

Their  hearts  were  shattered.     Counsels  wise  they  gave 

To  Bidasari.     "  Dearest  daughter  mine," 

The  father  said,  "  gem  of  my  head,  my  crown, 

Branch  of  my  heart,  light  of  my  eyes,  oh,  hear 

Thy  father's  words,  and  be  thou  not  afraid. 

We  brought  thee  hither,  to  this  fair  retreat, 

Far  from  the  town,  for,  if  the  Queen  should  know 

Thou  liv'st  at  night,  the  false  dyangs  would  come, 

And  who  against  the  princess  can  contend? 

They'd  take  thee  back,  and  thus  exonerate 

Themselves.     I'd  let  myself  be  chopped  in  bits 

Before  thou  shouldst  unto  the  Queen  return. 

Thy  father  cannot  leave  companions  here, 

But  after  three  days  he  will  come  to  thee. 

Thy  parents  both  will  soon  come  back  again." 

Then  Bidasari  thought :     "  My  parent's  words 

Are  truth,  and  if  the  Queen  should  find  I  live 

She  would  abuse  me  as  before.     Give  me 

One  maid-companion  here  to  be  with  me," 

She  asked.    "  My  child,  trust  not,"  he  said,  "  in  slaves, 

Nor  servants,  for  they  only  follow  pay." 

Then  Bidasari  silence  kept,  and  they. 

The  father  all  distraught  and  mother  fond. 

Wept  bitterly  at  thought  of  leaving  her. 

Fair  Bidasari  bade  them  eat,  before 

They  started.     But  because  of  heavy  hearts 

They  but  a  morsel  tasted.    At  the  dawn 

Young  Bidasari  swooned  again.    They  made 

All  ready  to  return  to  town.     With  tears 

The  father  said :     ''  O  apple  of  my  eye, 

Pearl  of  all  women,  branch  of  my  own  heart, 

Pure  gold,  thy  parents  leave  thee  with  distress. 

No  more  they'll  have  a  daughter  in  the  house. 

But,  dear,  take  courage,  we  shall  soon  come  back." 

They  left  here  with  a  talking  bird  to  cheer 

Her  loneliness,  close  shutting  all  the  gates 

Of  all  the  seven  ramparts.    Through  a  wood 


3a  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Bushy  and  thick  they  took  a  narrow  path, 

In  sorrow,  but  with  confidence  in  God. 

**  O  sovereign  God,  protect  our  child,"  they  said. 

When  they  had  fared  unto  their  house,  they  prayed 

And  gave  much  alms. 

When  evening  shadows  came 
Young  Bidasari  waked,  and  found  herself 
Alone,  and  was  afraid.     With  bitter  tears 
Her  eyes  were  filled.    What  could  she  say?    She  gave 
Herself  to  God.    Alas,  our  destiny 
Is  like  a  rock.     'Twas  hers  to  be  alone. 
It  is  in  no  man's  power  to  turn  aside 
Or  change  whatever  is  by  fate  decreed. 
All  desolate  sat  Bidasari.     Sleej) 
Wooed  not  her  eyes.     Now  when  he  heard  the  cry 
Of  "  Peladou,"  the  owl  lamented  loud. 
Upon  her  parents  coming,  loaded  down 
With  dainties  for  the  child,  she  for  a  while 
Her  woe  forgot,  and  ate  and  drank  with  joy. 
The  little  bird  with  which  she  talked  upheld 
Her  courage  with  its  soothing  voice.     So  ran 
The  days  away.     Upon  pretext  he  gave 
Of  hunting  deer,  the  merchant  daily  came. 


SONG  III 

HEAR  now  a  song  about  the  King  Djouhan. 
The  wise  and  powerful  prince  e'er  followed  free 
His  fancy,  and  the  Princess  Lila  Sari 
Was  very  happy  in  her  vanity. 

Since  she  had  killed  (for  so  she  thought)  the  maid. 
Young  Bidasari,  tainted  was  her  joy. 
"  The  King  will  never  take  a  second  wife," 
She  mused,  "  since  Bidasari  is  now  dead." 
The  King  loved  Princess  Lila  Sari  well. 
He  gratified  her  every  wish,  and  gave 
Her  all  she  asked,  so  fond  was  he  of  her. 
Whene'er  the  princess  was  annoyed,  the  King, 
With  kisses  and  soft  words  would  quiet  her, 
And  sing  to  her  sweet  songs  till  she  became 
Herself  again.     "  Poor,  little,  pretty  wife," 
He'd  say,  and  laugh  her  fretful  mood  away. 
One  night  as  he  lay  sleeping  on  his  bed, 
A  dream  tormented  him.     "What  may  it  mean?" 
He  thought.     "  Ah,  well,  to-morrow  mom  I'll  seek 
An  explanation."    At  the  dawn  he  sat 
Upon  a  rug  Egyptian,  breaking  fast, 
And  with  him  was  the  princess.     When  she  had 
The  dainties  tasted,  the  dyangs  arrived 
With  leaves  of  perfume.     Then  the  King  went  forth 
Into  the  garden.     All  the  officers 
Were  there  assembled.     When  they  saw  the  King 
They  all  were  silent.    To  a  mantri  spoke 
The  King :     "  My  uncle,  come  and  sit  thee  here. 
I  fain  would  question  thee."    The  King  had  scarce 
These  words  pronounced,  when,  bowing  very  low. 
The  mantri  in  respectful  tones  replied, 
"  My  greetings  to  thee,  O  most  merciful 
Of  kings."     He  sat  him  near  the  throne.     "  I  dreamed 
3  33 


34  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Last  night,"  the  King  continued,  "  that  the  moon 

In  her  full  glory  fell  to  earth.     What  means 

This  vision  ?  "     Then  the  mantri  with  a  smile 

Replied :   "  It  means  that  thou  shalt  find  a  mate, 

A  dear  companion,  like  in  birth  to  thee. 

Wise  and  accomplished,  well  brought  up  and  good. 

The  one  most  lovable  in  all  the  land." 

The  King's  eyes  took  new  fire  at  this.     He  said 

With  smiles :  "  I  gave  the  Queen  my  promise  true 

That  never  I  would  take  a  second  wife 

Until  a  fairer  I  could  find  than  she. 

And  still  she  is  so  lovely  in  my  eyes. 

Her  equal  cannot  anywhere  be  found. 

You'd  take  her  for  a  flow'r.     Yet  when  arise 

Her  storms  of  anger,  long  it  takes  to  calm 

Her  mind,  so  waspish  is  her  character. 

The  thought  of  this  doth  sadden  me.     Should  one 

Not  satisfy  her  heart's  desire,  she  flies 

Into  a  passion  and  attempts  to  kill 

Herself.     But  'tis  my  destiny — 'tis  writ. 

The  Queen  is  like  a  gem  with  glint  as  bright 

As  lightning's  flash.     No  one  can  ever  be, 

I  tell  thee  now,  so  beautiful  to  me." 

The  mantri  smiled.     "  What  thou  dost  say  is  just, 

0  King,  but  still  if  thou  shouldst  someone  find 
More  beautiful,  thou  yet  couldst  keep  thy  word. 
The  beauty  of  the  Queen  may  fade  away. 

The  princess  thou  shalt  wed,  O  King,  hath  four 
High  qualities.     She  must,  to  be  thy  queen, 
Be  nobly  born,  and  rich,  and  fair,  and  good." 
The  prince  replied :    "  O  uncle  mine,  thy  words 
Are  true.     Full  many  princesses  there  live. 
But  hard  it  is  to  find  these  qualities. 
The  Queen  is  good  and  wise  and  lovable. 

1  do  not  wish  another  wife  to  wed. 

And  wound  the  Queen  with  whom  three  years  Fve  lived 
In  love  and  harmony.     Yet  if  I  saw 
A  quite  celestial  maid,  perhaps  I  might 
Forget,  and  marry  her,  and  give  the  Queen 
A  gay  companion."    "  O  accomplished  prince, 


BIDASARI  35 

Thou  sayest  truly.     Stay  long  years  with  her 

Thy  Queen,  thy  first  beloved,  for  she  hath  all — 

Great  beauty  and  intelligence."    They  bowed 

As  forth  from  them  the  King  went  palaceward. 

He  sat  beside  the  Queen,  and  kissed  her  cheeks. 

And  said :   "  Thy  features  shine  with  loveliness. 

Like  to  a  jewel  in  a  glass.     When  I 

Must  leave  thy  side,  I  have  no  other  wish     - 

But  to  return.     Like  Mount  Maha  Mirou 

Thou  art."    The  princess  said :     "  Wherefore  art  thou 

So  spirited  to-day  ?     Thou'rt  like  a  boy." 

"  Branch  of  my  heart,  my  dearest  love,"  he  said, 

"  Vex  not  thyself.     Thou  know'st  the  adage  old : 

First  one  is  taken  with  a  pretty  face. 

Then  wisdom  comes  and  prudence,  and,  with  these, 

One  loves  his  wife  until  the  day  of  death. 

If  thus  thou  dost  deport  thyself,  my  dear. 

My  heart  between  two  wives  shall  never  be 

Divided ;  thou  alone  shalt  own  it  all." 

The  Queen  was  charmed  to  hear  his  loving  words. 

At  night  the  Queen  slept,  but  King  remained 

Awake,  and  watched  the  moon,  and  called  to  mind 

His  dream.     As  dawn  approached  he  slept,  and  seemed 

To  hear  an  owl's  shrill  voice,  like  Pedalou's. 

When  it  was  fully  day,  the  royal  pair 

Together  broke  their  fast.     The  King  went  forth 

And  orders  gave,  in  two  days  to  prepare 

A  mighty  hunt,  to  chase  the  dappled  deer, 

With  men  and  dogs  and  all  apparel  fit. 

Then  back  into  the  palace  went  the  King, 

And  told  the  Queen,  who  straightway  gave  commands 

For  food  to  be  made  ready.     At  midnight 

Behind  Egyptian  curtains  went  to  rest 

The  King  and  Queen,  but  slept  not.     Still  the  dreaip 

Was  ever  in  his  thoughts  and  worried  him. 

At  dawn  he  said  farewell  unto  the  Queen. 

She  was  all  radiant,  and  smiling,  said: 

"  Bring  me  a  fawn.     I'll  tell  the  servants  all 

To  take  good  care  of  it,  so  it  may  grow 

Quite  tame."    "  What  we  can  do,  my  dear,  we  shall, 


36  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

So  all  of  thy  desires  may  come  to  pass." 

And  so  the  King  took  leave,  with  kisses  fond, 

And,  mounted  on  a  hunter  brown,  set  forth, 

With  velvet  saddle  decked  with  fringe  of  pearls. 

Lances  and  shields  and  arrows  and  blow-guns 

They  bore.    The  wood  they  entered,  and  the  beasts 

All  fled  before  their  steps  at  dawn's  first  ray. 

And  when  the  sun  was  up,  they  loosed  the  hounds 

With  savage  cries.     Toward  noon  an  animal 

In  flight  they  saw,  and  would  have  followed  it. 

But  then  up  spake  the  King  and  said,  "  We  are 

So  hot  and  weary,  let  us  linger  here 

For  rest."     One-half  the  company  astray 

Had  gone,  each  striving  to  be  first  of  all. 

The  King,  attended  by  a  faithful  three. 

Reclined  upon  the  ground,  and  sent  them  forth 

For  water.     So  the  mantris  went  to  find 

A  river  or  a  pond,  and  faring  far 

To  Bidasari's  plaisance  came  at  last. 

They  stopped  astounded,  then  approached  the  place. 

When  they  were  near  the  lovely  garden  close. 

They  said :     "  There  was  no  garden  here  before. 

To  whom  does  this  belong?    Perchance  it  is 

A  spirit's  bower.     No  human  voice  is  heard 

But  just  the  cry  of  *  minahs  '  and  '  bajans.' 

Whom  shall  we  call,  lest  spectres  should  appear  ?  " 

They  wandered  round  the  ramparts,  and  a  gate 

Discovered,  shut  with  heavy  iron  bar, 

And  vainly  tried  to  open  it.    Then  one 

Of  them  went  back,  and  found  the  King,  and  said : 

"  Hail,  sovereign  lord,  we  have  no  water  found, 

But  a  campong  here  in  the  desert  lone. 

As  splendid  as  a  sultan's,  with  all  sorts 

Of  trees  and  flow'rs,  and  not  a  mortal  there. 

Tis  girt  about  with  double  ramparts  strong. 

No  name  is  seen,  and  all  the  gates  are  shut, 

So  that  we  could  not  enter." 

Scarce  the  King 
Had  heard  the  mantri's  word  when  off  he  rushed 
To  see  the  fair  domain.     Before  the  gate 


BIDASARI  37 

He  stood  astonished.    "  Truly,  mantris  mine, 

It  is  as  you  have  said.     I  once  was  here 

And  then  the  wood  was  filled  with  thorns  and  briers." 

Tis  not  a  nobleman's  campong.     It  must 

Have  recently  been  made.     Now  summon  all 

The  mantris  here  and  see  what  they  will  say." 

They  called  aloud,  "  Oh,  hasten,  friends,  and  bring 

The  water  here."     Seven  times  they  called,  but  none 

Responded.     Said  the  King,  "  It  is  enough. 

Tis  Hke  as  if  one  called  unto  the  dead." 

"  We'd  best  not  enter,"  said  the  mantris  then, 

"  It  may  be  the  abode  of  demons  fell. 

We  are  afraid.     Why  should  we  linger  here? 

Return,  O  King,  for  should  the  spirits  come 

It  might  to  us  bring  evil.     Thou  shouldst  not 

Expose  thyself  to  danger."     But  the  King 

Upon  the  mantris  smiled.     "  Ye  are  afraid 

Of  demons,  spectres,  spirits?     I've  no  fear. 

Break  down  the  barriers.     I'll  go  alone 

Within  the  precincts."     When  the  gates  were  forced, 

He  entered  all  alone.     The  mantris  all 

Were  terrified  lest  harm  should  come  to  him. 

They  sought  with  him  to  go.     He  lightly  said : 

"  No,  mantris  mine,  whatever  God  hath  willed, 

Must  happen.     If  in  flames  I  were  to  burn, 

In  God  I  still  should  trust.     'Tis  only  He 

That  evil  can  avert.     We  mortal  men 

No  power  possess.     With  my  own  eyes  I  wish 

To  see  this  apparition.     Should  it  be 

The  will  of  God,  I'll  come  forth  safe  and  sound. 

Be  not  disturbed.     In  case  of  urgent  need 

I'll  call  upon  ye.     All  await  me  here." 

The  mantris  made  obeisance  and  replied, 

"  Go,  then,  alone,  since  thou  hast  willed  it  so." 

Into  the  plaisance  strode  the  King.     He  saw 

That  all  was  like  a  temple  richly  decked. 

With  rugs  of  silk  and  colored  tapestries 

Of  pictured  clouds  and  wheels  all  radiant. 

And  lamps  and  candelabra  hung  about. 

And  lanterns  bright.     'Twas  like  a  palace  rich. 


38  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  eyes  were  dazzled  with  magnificence. 

And  seats  there  were,  and  dainty  tables  rare. 

As  through  the  palace  went  the  King,  the  more 

Astonished  he  became  at  all  he  saw, 

But  nowhere  found  a  trace  of  human  soul. 

Then  spake  the  little  bird :    ''  Illustrious  King, 

What  seek'st  thou  here?    This  mansion  is  the  house 

Of  ghosts  and  demons  who  will  injure  thee." 

The  King  was  filled  with  wonder  thus  to  hear 

A  bird  address  him.     But  it  flew  away. 

And  hid  behind  a  couch.     "  The  bird  I'll  find," 

He  said,  and  ope'd  the  curtains  soft.     He  saw 

Full  stretched,  upon  a  bed  in  dragon's  shape, 

A  human  form,  in  heavy-lidded  sleep 

That  seemed  like  death,  and  covered  with  a  cloth 

Of  blue,  whose  face  betokened  deepest  grief. 

"  Is  it  a  child  celestial  ?  "  thought  the  King, 

"  Or  doth  she  feign  to  sleep  ?     Awake,  my  sweet, 

And  let  us  be  good  friends  and  lovers  true." 

So  spake  the  King,  but  still  no  motion  saw. 

He  sat  upon  the  couch,  and  to  himself 

He  said :     ''  If  it  a  phantom  be,  why  are 

The  eyes  so  firmly  shut?     Perhaps  she's  dead.** 

She  truly  is  of  origin  divine, 

Though  born  a  princess."    Then  he  lifted  high 

The  covering  delicate  that  hid  the  form 

Of  Bidasari  sweet,  and  stood  amazed 

At  all  the  magic  beauty  of  her  face. 

Beside  himself,  he  cried,  "  Awake,  my  love." 

He  lifted  her  and  said,  with  kisses  warm, 

"  Oh,  have  no  fear  of  me,  dear  heart.    Thy  voice 

Oh,  let  me  hear,  my  gold,  my  ruby  pure. 

My  jewel  virginal.     Thy  soul  is  mine. 

Again  he  pressed  her  in  his  arms,  and  gave 

Her  many  kisses,  chanting  love-songs  low. 

"  Thou  dost  not  wake,  O  dearest  one,  but  thou 

Art  yet  alive,  because  I  see  thee  breathe. 

Sleep  not  too  long,  my  love.    Awake  to  me, 

For  thou  hast  conquered  with  thy  loveliness 

My  heart  and  soul."     So  fell  the  King  in  love 


BIDASARI  39 

With  Bidasari.     "  Ah,  my  sweet,"  he  said, 

"  In  all  the  world  of  love  thou'rt  worthiest." 

The  mantris  grew  uneasy  at  his  stay. 

They  rose  and  said :     "  What  doth  the  King  so  long  ? 

If  harm  befell  him,  what  would  be  our  fate  ? 

Oh,  let  us  call  him  back  at  once,  my  lords." 

So  one  approached  the  palace,  and  cried  out: 

"  Return,  O  prince  accomplished,  to  us  now. 

Already  night  is  near.     Back  thou  may'st  come 

To-morrow  ere  the  dawn.     We  are  afraid 

Lest  spirits  harm  thee.     Come,  O  King,  for  we 

A-hungered  are,  and  wait  for  thy  return." 

But  the  illustrious  prince  was  mad  with  love 

Of  Bidasari.     Pensively  he  cried: 

"  Branch  of  my  heart,  light  of  mine  eyes,  my  love, 

Pure  gold,  thou'rt  like  angel.     Now  must  I 

Depart.    To-morrow  I  will  come  again." 

With  no  more  words  he  left  her,  but  returned. 

"  My  heart  would  tell  me,  wert  thou  really  dead. 

Some  trouble  hast  thou,  dearest  one  ?  "  he  cried. 

*'  What  bitter  grief  hath  caused  thee  thus  to  sleep  ?  " 

He  found  the  nobles  murmuring  and  vexed. 

"  O  King,"  they  said,  "  our  hearts  were  filled  with  fear 

Lest  evil  had  befallen  thee.     What  sight 

So  strange  hath  kept  thee  all  these  hours  ?  "     The  King 

Replied  with  laughter,  "  There  was  naught  to  see." 

But  they  remarked  his  brow  o'ercast  with  thought, 

And  said,  "  O  King,  thy  heart  is  sorely  vexed." 

"  Nay,  nay,"  the  King  replied,  "  I  fell  asleep. 

Naught  did  I  hear  except  the  mantri's  voice. 

It  surely  is  the  home  of  demons  dread 

And  spirits.     Let  us  go,  lest  they  surprise 

Us  here."     He  seemed  much  moved.     "  We  naught  have 

gained 
But  weariness.     So  let  us  all  go  home 
To-night,  and  hither  come  again  at  dawn. 
For  I  a  promise  gave  the  Queen  to  bring 
A  fawn  and  a  kidjang."    The  mantris  said : 
"  None  have  we  taken  yet.     But  game  we'll  find 
To-morrow,  and  will  save  a  pretty  fawn." 


40  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  King,  when  they  returned,  went  straight  within 

The  palace.     There  he  saw  the  Queen,  but  thought 

Of  Bidasari.     "  O  my  love,"  he  said, 

"  To-morrow  I'm  resolved  to  hunt  again. 

And  bring  thee  back  a  fawn,  and  win  thy  thanks. 

I'm  never  happy  when  away  from  thee. 

My  dearest  love.     Thine  image  is  engraved 

Upon  my  heart."     Then  he  caressed  the  Queen 

And  fondled  her,  but  still  his  heart  went  out 

To  Bidasari.     All  night  long  his  eyes 

He  did  not  close  in  sleep,  but  thought  of  her, 

In  all  her  beauty  rare.     Before  the  dawn 

The  royal  couple  rose.     The  King  then  gave 

Command  that  those  who  wished  should  hunt  again 

With  him.     At  sunrise  forth  they  fared. 

On  Bidasari  let  us  look  again. 

When  night  had  gone,  in  loneliness  she  rose. 

And  ate  and  drank.     Then  to  the  bath  perfumed 

She  went,  and  coming  to  her  chamber,  took 

Some  siri  from  the  betel-box.     She  saw 

A  sepah  recently  in  use  and  cast 

It  forth.     She  thought  within  herself: 

"  Who  could  have  used  it  ?     Someone  hath  been  here." 

She  ran  through  all  the  rooms,  but  nothing  found 

Except  the  sepah  in  the  betel-box. 

"  Had  it  my  father  been,  he  would  have  left 

Some  food  for  me.     Oh,  he  is  very  rash 

To  leave  me  here  alone."     Upon  the  couch 

She  sat  and  wept,  and  could  not  tell  her  grief 

To  anyone.     "  When  we  no  longer  may 

Live  happily,"  she  said,  "  'tis  best  to  die. 

My  parents  never  can  forgiven  be, 

To  leave  me  here  like  any  infidel. 

And  if  I  sufifer,  they  will  sorrow,  too." 

The  minahs,  the  bajans,  and  talking  birds 

Began  to  sing.     She  took  a  'broidered  cloth, 

And  'neath  its  folds  she  sweetly  fell  asleep. 

The  King's  horse  flew  apace  to  the  campong 
Of  Bidasari.     All  the  mantris  said: 


BIDASARI 

"  Thou  takest  not  the  path  for  hunting,  sire ; 

This  is  but  the  campong  of  demons  dread 

And  spectres.     They  may  do  us  deadly  harm." 

The  great  prince  only  laughed,  and  made  as  if 

He  heard  not,  still  directing  his  fleet  course 

To  Bidasari's  garden,  though  they  sought 

His  wishes  to  oppose.     When  they  arrived 

Before  the  palisades,  the  mantris  cried : 

"  Avaunt,  ye  cursed  demons,  and  begone 

Into  the  thorns  and  briers."     Then  to  the  King: 

'*  If  thou  wilt  prove  the  courage  of  thy  men. 

Lead  us  behind  the  barriers,  among 

The  evil  spirits.     We  will  go  with  thee." 

"  Nay.     Let  me  go  alone,"  the  prince  replied, 

"  And  very  shortly  I'll  come  forth  again." 

They  said :     "  O  prince,  to  us  thy  will  is  law. 

To  God  most  high  do  we  commend  thy  soul." 

Alone  the  prince  in  Bidasari's  home 

Set  foot.     He  was  astonished,  for  he  saw  the  bath 

Had  recently  been  used,  and  all  the  lamps 

Were  trimmed  and  full  of  oil.     Then  opening 

The  chests,  he  saw  the  traces  of  a  meal. 

And  glasses  freshly  drained.     The  chambers  all 

He  searched,  and  came  to  Bidasari's  couch, 

And,  lifting  up  the  curtains,  saw  her  there, 

Asleep  beneath  the  'broidered  covering. 

"  'Tis  certain  that  she  lives,"  he  said.     "  Perchance 

It  is  her  lot  to  live  at  night,  and  die 

At  dawn."     Then  came  he  nearer  yet,  and  gazed 

Upon  her  beauty.     Ling'ring  tears  he  saw 

Bedewed  her  lashes  long,  and  all  his  heart 

Was  sad.     Her  face  was  beautiful.     Her  locks 

Framed  it  with  curls  most  gracefully.     He  took 

Her  in  his  arms  and  cried,  with  kisses  warm : 

"  Why  hast  thou  suffered,  apple  of  my  eye  ?  " 

He  wept  abundantly,  and  said :     "  My  gold, 

My  ruby,  my  carbuncle  bright,  thy  face 

Is  like  Lila  Seprara's,  and  thy  birth 

Is  pure  and  spotless.     How  could  I  not  love 

A  being  fair  as  thou  dost  seem  to  me? 


42  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Thy  beauty  is  unspeakable ;  thou  art 

Above  all  crowns,  the  glory  of  all  lands. 

My  soul  adores  thee.     Lord  am  I  no  more 

Of  my  own  heart.     Without  thee,  love,  I  could 

No  longer  live;  thou  art  my  very  soul. 

Hast  thou  no  pity  to  bestow  on  me  ?  " 

The  more  he  looked  the  more  he  loved.     He  kissed 

Her  ruby  lips,  and  sang  this  low  pantoum: 

Song 

Within  a  vase  there  stands  a  china  rose; 

Go  buy  a  box  of  betel,  dearest  one. 
I  love  the  beauty  that  thine  eyes  disclose ; 

Of  my  existence,  dear,  thou  art  the  sun. 

Go  buy  a  box  of  betel,  dearest  one. 

Adorned  with  sountings  brave  of  sweet  campak, 
Of  my  existence,  dear,  thou  art  the  sun; 

Without  thee,  everything  my  life  would  lack. 

Adorned  with  sountings  fair  of  sweet  campak, 
A  carafe  tall  will  hold  the  sherbet  rare ; 

Without  thee,  everything  my  heart  would  lack; 
Thou'rt  like  an  angel  come  from  heaven  so  fair. 

A  carafe  tall  will  hold  the  sherbet  rare. 
Most  excellent  for  woman's  feeble  frame. 

Thou'rt  like  an  angel  come  from  heaven  so  fair, 
Love's  consolation,  guardian  of  its  flame. 

At  the  approach  of  night  the  mantris  said, 

"  What  doth  the  King  so  long  away  from  us  ?  " 

They  were  disturbed,  the  prince  seemed  so  unlike 

Himself  and  filled  with  such  unrestfulness. 

"  I  fear  me  much,"  then  said  a  mantri  there, 

"  That  some  mishap  hath  overwhelmed  the  King. 

Perhaps  by  some  bad  spirit  he's  possessed. 

That  he  to  this  weird  spot  should  fain  return." 

One  went  and  cried:     "  Come  hither,  O  our  King! 

The  day  declines ;  we've  waited  here  since  dawn." 


BIDASARI  43 

The  King  responded  to  the  call,  and  came 

With  smiling  face,  though  pale,  unto  the  gate: 

"  Come  here,  my  uncle ;  come  and  talk  with  me. 

Thy  King.     No  evil  thing  hath  come  to  pass." 

"  O  lord  supreme,  most  worthy  prince,  return. 

If  harm  should  come  to  thee,  we  all  should  die." 

"  Be  calm,  my  uncle,  I  will  not  this  night 

Return,  but  he  may  stay  with  me  who  wills." 

"  O  King,  with  spirits  what  hast  thou  to  do  ? 

Thy  face  is  pale  and  worn,  and  tells  of  care." 

The  King  but  sighed,  and  said :  "  My  heart  is  full 

Of  trouble,  but  the  will  of  God  is  good. 

Here  yesterday  a  fair  celestial  form 

With  angel  face  I  saw.     Twas  here  alone." 

And  so  the  King  told  all  that  had  occurred. 

"  Go  back,"  he  added.     "  Leave  me  here  with  her. 

Say  to  the  Queen  IVe  lingered  still  a  day 

For  my  amusement,  with  my  retinue." 

Then  half  the  escort  stayed,  and  half  repaired 

Back  to  the  palace  to  acquaint  the  Queen 

The  King  would  stay  another  day  and  hunt. 

When  all  was  dark,  sweet  Bidasari  waked 

And  saw  the  King,  and  tried  to  flee  away. 

He  seized  and  kissed  her.     "  Ruby,  gold,"  he  said, 

"  My  soul,  my  life,  oh,  say,  where  wouldst  thou  go  ? 

I've  been  alone  with  thee  for  two  whole  days, 

And  all  the  day  thou  wrapped  in  sleep  didst  lie. 

Where  wouldst  thou  go,  my  dove  ?  "    The  gentle  girl 

Was  much  afraid  and  trembled,  and  she  thought : 

"  Is  it  a  spirit  come  to  find  me  here  ? 

Avaunt  thee  and  begone,  O  spectre  dread," 

She  said,  amid  her  tears.     "  No  phantom  I," 

Replied  the  King ;  "  be  not  afraid.     I  wish 

To  marry  thee."     Then  Bidasari  strove 

Again  to  flee.     Then  sang  the  King  a  song 

That  told  of  love  and  happiness.     Its  words 

Astonished  Bidasari,  and  she  cried: 

"  Art  thou  a  pirate  ?     Why  dost  thou  come  here  ? 

Speak  not  such  things  to  me.     If  thou  shouldst  be 

Discovered  by  my  father,  he  would  cut 


44  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

Thee  into  pieces.     Thou  shouldst  go  alone 

To  death,  and  find  no  pardon  in  his  heart. 

Take  all  my  gems  and  hasten  forth  at  once." 

The  King  replied :     "  'Tis  not  thy  gems  I  want, 

But  thee.     I  am  a  pirate,  but  thy  heart 

Is  all  I  want  to  steal.     Should  spectres  come 

In  thousands,  I  would  fear  them  not  at  all.    . 

No  tears,  my  love,  bright  glory  of  my  crown. 

Where  wouldst  thou  go  ?     Hast  thou  no  pity,  sweet, 

For  me  ?     I  am  a  powerful  prince.     Who  dares 

Oppose  my  will?     Pure  gold,  all  virginal, 

Where  wouldst  thou  go  ?  "     So  spake  the  King,  and  fair 

Young  Bidasari  trembled  more  and  more. 

"  Approach  me  not,"  she  cried,  "  but  let  me  bathe 

My  face."     "  I'll  bathe  it  for  thee,  dear,"  he  said. 

But  Bidasari  threw  the  water  pure 

Into  his  face.     "  Not  that  way,  child,"  he  laughed ; 

"  My  vesture  thou  hast  wet.     But  I  shall  stay 

And  meet  thy  parents  here.     Oh,  hearken,  love. 

I  followed  far  the  chase,  and  wandered  here. 

I  sought  a  pretty  fawn  to  take  the  Queen; 

But  now  thy  face  I've  seen,  no  more  I  wish 

To  go  away.     Oh,  have  no  fear,  my  child; 

I  would  not  harm  thee.     When  thy  parents  come, 

ril  ask  them  for  thy  hand.     I  trust  they'll  grant 

My  prayer.     I'll  lead  thee  forth  from  this  fair  spot 

Unto  my  palace.     Thou  shalt  sit  beside 

The  Queen,  and  live  in  happiness  complete." 

Sweet  Bidasari  bowed  her  head  and  wept, 

All  red  with  modesty.     Unto  herself  she  said : 

"  I  never  thought  it  was  a  king.     How  rude 

I  was!     I  hope  the  King  will  not  be  vexed." 

He  calmed  her  fears  with  tender  words  of  love. 

"  Branch  of  my  heart,"  he  said,  "  light  of  my  eyes, 

Have  no  more  fear.     Soon  as  thy  parents  fond 

Have  given  their  consent,  I'll  lead  thee  forth. 

My  palace  is  not  far.     A  single  day 

Will  take  us  there.     It  is  not  difficult 

To  go  and  come."     Then  Bidasari  knew 

It  was  the  King  of  that  same  land.     With  fright 


BIDASARI 

She  nearly  swooned  at  thought  of  all  the  woe 

The  Queen  had  caused  her.     "  O  my  lord,"  she  said, 

*'  I'm  but  a  subject  humble.     Give  me  not 

The  throne.     I  have  my  parents,  and  with  them 

Must  stay."     The  Kin^  was  overjoyed.     "  My  dear," 

He  said,  "  by  what  names  are  thy  parents  known  ?  " 

With  low,  sweet  voice  the  tender  girl  replied: 

"  Lila  Djouhara  is  my  father's  name. 

He  dwelleth  in  Pesara."     "  Dearest  one. 

Tell  me  the  truth.     Why  have  they  treated  thee 

In  such  a  fashion — why  abandoned  thee 

In  solitude  ?    Thy  father  is  not  poor. 

A  merchant  rich  is  he,  of  birth,  who  hath 

A  host  of  slaves  and  servants.     For  what  cause 

Hath  he  his  daughter  left  in  this  far  spot? 

He  is  renowned  among  the  merchants  all, 

Both  good  and  honest.     What  hath  forced  him  here 

Within  this  lonely  wood  to  hide  thee,  dear? 

Oh,  tell  me  all ;  let  nothing  be  concealed." 

She  thought :     "  It  was  the  fault  of  his  own  Queen. 

But  if  I  tell  him  all — he  never  saw 

Me  there,  within  the  palace — should  he  not 

Believe,  I'll  be  a  liar  in  his  eyes." 

She  feared  to  speak  and  tell  him  of  the  Queen. 

She  thought,  "  So  cruel  was  the  Queen  to  me 

When  she  but  feared  a  rival,  what  would  come 

If  I  should  sit  beside  her  on  the  throne  ?  " 

Then  in  her  sweet  voice  Bidasari  said : 

"  My  glorious  King,  I  am  afraid  to  speak. 

I  am  not  suited  to  a  royal  throne. 

But  since  thou  lovest  me,  how  dare  I  lie? 

If  thou  dost  favor  me,  the  Queen  will  vex 

Her  heart.     My  parents  fear  her.     'Tis  the  cause 

Why  hither  they  have  brought  me.    Three  long  months 

Ago  I  came,  for  terror  of  the  Queen." 

She  thought  on  all  the  horror  of  those  days, 

And  choked  with  sobs,  and  could  no  longer  talk. 

Then  tenderly  the  King  spake  to  the  girl : 

"  Ah,  well,  my  darling  love,  confide  in  me 

The  secret  thy  dear  heart  conceals.     Fear  naught; 


45 


46  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  Queen  is  good  and  wise,  and  knoweth  how 
To  win  all  hearts.     Why  should  she  render  thee 
Unhappy  ?     Speak  not  thus,  my  pretty  one ; 
The  Queen  could  never  do  an  evil  deed. 
When  thou  art  near  her,  thou  shalt  see,  my  dear, 
Whether  she  loves  or  hates  thee." 

At  these  words 
Young  Bidasari  knew  the  King  esteemed 
The  Queen,  and  felt  her  heart  sink  in  her  breast. 
"  My  words  are  true,"  she  said,  *'  but  still  perchance 
My  prince  cannot  believe.     But  was  I  not 
Within  thy  palace  six  or  seven  nights  ? 
The  sweat  of  pain  became  my  couch,  so  great 
Was  my  desire  to  see  my  parents  dear. 
They  sent  me  dainties,  but  all  the  dyangs 
Were  kept  as  prisoners  by  the  princess  there. 
She  said  she'd  take  me  back  herself.     One  day 
I  was,  indeed,  sent  home,  but  scarce  alive." 
She  told  him  everything  that  came  to  pass. 
He  listened  stupefied,  and  said :     "  How  could 
It  be  that  thou  wert  in  the  palace  hid, 
And  I  not  see  thee  there?     Why  was  it  thou 
Wert  not  beside  the  Queen  ?     I've  never  left 
The  palace  for  a  single  day.     Where  wert 
Thou  hid?     Thy  strange  words  I  beHeve,  my  dear. 
Speak  without  fear  and  let  me  know  the  whole." 
Urged  by  the  King,  young  Bidasari  told 
Him  all.     And  when  the  conduct  of  the  Queen 
He  learned,  the  King  was  wonder-struck,     A  rage 
Most  terrible  possessed  him.     But  his  love 
For  Bidasari  mounted  higher  still 
And  his  compassion.     "  So  the  Queen  thus  wrought ! 
I  never  thought  hypocrisy  could  be 
So  great !     I  never  in  the  princess  saw 
Such  bent  for  evil.     But  be  not,  my  dear. 
Disconsolate.     It  is  a  lucky  thing 
Thou  didst  not  quite  succumb.     No  longer  speak 
Of  that  bad  woman's  ways.     Thank  God  we've  met ! 
So  weep  no  more,  my  love.     I'll  give  to  thee 
A  throne  more  beautiful  than  hers,  and  be 


BIDASARI  47 

Thy  dear  companion  until  death."     "  O  King/' 

She  said :  '*  I  have  no  beauty  fit  to  grace 

A  throne.     Oh,  let  me  stay  a  simple  maid, 

And  think  of  me  no  more."     The  King  repUed : 

"  I  will  not  give  thee  up.     But  I  must  still 

Return,  and  meditate  how  I  may  win 

Thee  back  to  life  complete."     With  kisses  warm 

He  covered  her  fair  face.     She  bowed  her  head, 

And  silence  kept ;  and  when  the  morning  dawned 

She  swooned  anew.     It  was  a  proof  to  him 

That  she  had  told  the  truth.     A  mortal  hate 

Then  filled  the  prince's  heart  against  the  Queen. 

Touched  with  deep  pity  for  the  maiden  young, 

He  kissed  her  once  again,  and  left  her  there. 

So  white  and  still,  as  if  she  lay  in  death. 

What  of  the  mantris?     They  awaited  long 

The  King,  in  silence.     Then  the  oldest  said : 

"  O  sovereign  lord,  O  caliph  great,  wilt  thou 

Not  now  return  ?  "     "  I'll  come  again,  dear  heart," 

He  said,  and  sought  the  city.     Straight  he  went 

Into  the  palace,  to  the  Queen,  who  asked  : 

"  What  bringest  thou  from  hunting  ?  "     He  replied 

In  murmurs :     "  I  have  taken  naught  at  all. 

For  my  own  pleasure  I  remained  all  night." 

"  'Tis  nothing,  lord,  provided  no  harm  came 

To  thee.     But  say  what  thou  didst  seek,  to  stay 

So  long?     I  always  have  prepared  for  thee 

The  food  for  thy  great  hunts,  but  never  yet 

Have  I  received  a  recompense  ?  "    The  King 

To  this  replied  with  smiles :  "  Prepare  afresh, 

For  I  to-morrow  shall  depart  again. 

If  I  take  nothing,  I'll  return  at  once." 

As  he  caressed  the  Queen,  upon  her  breast 

He  felt  the  little  magic  fish  of  gold 

All  safe.     Then  gave  he  quick  commands  to  all. 

"  I'll  hunt  to-morrow,  and  shall  surely  bring 

Some  wondrous  game."     Now  when  the  princess  fell 

Asleep  he  found  upon  her  heart  no  more 

The  little  fish.     "  'Tis  as  the  maiden  said," 

He  thought.     "  The  princess  hath  a  wicked  soul. 


S  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

With  such  a  heart  I  cannot  go  with  her 

Through  life."     Through  all  the  night  he  could  not  sleep. 

But  thought  upon  the  girl.     He  was  as  sad 

As  though  he  heard  a  touching  song.     At  dawn 

The  royal  couple  rose  and  went  to  bathe. 

The  King  into  the  palace  came  again 

And  sat  upon  the  throne  adorned  with  gems. 

He  donned  the  royal  robe  to  wear  before 

The  dear  young  girl.     A  vestment  'twas  of  silk. 

All  gold  embroidered,  with  a  tunic  bright, 

Of  orange  hue.     His  mien  was  most  superb. 

As  doth  become  a  mighty  king.     He  bore 

A  quiver  of  Ceylon,  most  deftly  wrought. 

When  all  the  mantris  had  assembled  there, 

The  King  within  the  palace  once  more  went 

And  met  the  Queen.     Caressing  her  he  took 

The  little  fish  that  lay  upon  her  breast. 

The  princess  wept,  and  at  the  door  she  cried : 

"  Why  takest  thou  my  little  ornament  ?  " 

The  great  King  gave  no  heed,  and  went  away. 

At  dawn's  glad  hour,  when  birds  begin  to  sing. 

Swords  gleamed  and  lances  shone,  and  through  the  wood 

They  hastened  on,  with  quivers  and  blow-guns, 

And  seemed  a  walking  city. 

Now  again 
To  Bidasari  let  us  turn.     When  dawn 
Appeared,  she  rose  and  sat  in  loneHness, 
Her  face  grew  still  more  beautiful.     Her  state 
Astonished  her.     "  Perhaps  it  is  the  King 
Who  hath  this  wonder  wrought.     How  happy  I 
To  be  no  longer  dead !  "     She  washed  her  face 
And  felt  still  sad,  but  with  her  pensiveness 
A  certain  joy  was  mingled,  for  her  pain 
Was  passed.     Her  grief  the  "  talking  bird  "  allayed 
With  songs  about  the  mighty  King  and  love. 

Song 
There's  siri  in  a  golden  vase, 

Good  Dang  Melini  plants  a  rose ; 
The  King  admires  a  pretty  face. 

To-day  he'll  come  to  this  fair  close. 


BIDASARl 

Good  Dang  Melini  plants  a  rose, 
Here  in  the  garden  they  will  meet ; 

To-day  he'll  come  to  this  fair  close, 
To  man  and  maiden  love  is  sweet. 

Here  in  the  garden  they  will  meet, 
Go  seek  the  fairest  fruit  and  flower ; 

To  man  and  maiden  love  is  sweet, 
The  King  is  coming  to  the  bower. 


Lo!    At  this  very  instant  they  approached. 
Dear  Bidasari  hid  behind  the  couch. 
The  King  searched  everywhere,  and  found  at  last 
The  maiden  hiding,  bathed  in  bitter  tears. 
Then  kissing  her,  the  King  inquired :  "  My  love, 
Bright  glory  of  my  crown ;  pray  tell  to  me 
Why  thou  art  sad."     He  dried  her  tears.     But  she 
Still  hung  her  head  in  silence.     Then  the  King 
For  elephants  and  horses  to  be  sent 
Gave  orders.     "  Go  with  mantris  two  at  once, 
And  bring  the  merchant  and  his  wife,  and  bid 
Forty  dyangs  to  hasten  here  forthwith." 
Then  went  the  mantris  forth  in  haste,  and  found 
The  merchant  and  his  wife  and  said,  "  The  King 
Inviteth  ye  to  come."     Then  through  the  wood 
The  parents  hurried  to  the  plaisance  fair 
Of  Bidasari,  there  to  meet  the  King. 
Before  his  Majesty  they  bowed  with  fear. 
The  great  King  smiled.     "  Be  not  afraid,"  he  said, 
"  My  uncle  and  my  mother.     Let  us  go 
Within,  to  see  thy  lovely  child.     I  make 
Ye  now  my  parents.     We  have  friendly  been, 
And  still  shall  be."     Beside  the  King  they  saw 
Fair  Bidasari  seated,  as  with  steps 
Still  hesitating  they  the  palace  sought. 
The  father  fond  was  glad  within  his  heart, 
His  daughter  was  so  beautiful.     She  seemed 
A  princess  lovely  of  the  Mount  Lidang. 
4 


49 


50  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

"  Dear  Bidasari,  sweetest  child,"  they  said, 

"  Behind  the  King,  dear  daughter,  thou  should  stand 

She  made  as  if  to  go,  but  still  the  King 

Restrained  her.     "  No,  my  pretty  one,"  he  said, 

"  Thy  place  is  at  my  side.     So  God  hath  willed." 

The  oldest  mantri,  called  for  counsel,  spoke : 

"  Lila  Djouhara  good,  what  sayest  thou  ? 

Art  thou  not  glad  to  see  thy  daughter  made 

A  queen  ?     What  happiness  hath  come  to  thee !  " 

The  merchant  bowed  before  the  King,  and  said : 

"  Make  her  thy  servant,  not  thy  wife,  my  lord. 

Thy  glorious  Queen  we  fear.     She  e'er  hath  shown 

For  Bidasari  hatred  dire,  because 

A  child  so  lovely  might  attract  the  King." 

The  monarch  hearing  him  thus  speak,  still  more 

Toward  him  was  borne.     "  My  uncle,"  then  he  cried, 

"  Have  no  more  fear.     But  never  shall  I  make 

A  servant  of  thy  daughter." 

Then  he  gave 
Command  to  build  a  castle  in  the  wood. 
And  all  the  workers  came,  and  built  it  there, 
With  ramparts  three.     As  if  by  magic  then 
A  golden  palace  rose.     The  outer  gate 
Was  iron,  loaded  down  with  arms,  and  held 
By  demons  and  by  Ethiopians. 
These  were  the  keepers  of  the  gates,  with  steeds 
Untamed.     With  swords  unsheathed  they  stood  alert 
And  waited  for  the  King's  commands.     Of  brass 
All  chiselled  was  the  second  gate,  suppHed 
With  cannons  and  with  powder,  guarded  safe 
By  beings  supernatural.     The  third 
Was  silver,  such  as  may  be  seen  in  far 
Eirak.    The  beauty  of  the  castle  was 
Beyond  compare !     From  far  it  seemed  to  be 
As  double,  like  an  elephant  with  two 
White  ivory  tusks.     Where  may  its  like  be  found? 
Three  diamonds  pure  reflected  all  the  light. 
Big  as  a  melon.     Now  the  castle  built, 
The  King  a  plaisance  beautiful  desired 


BIDASARI  51 

With  gay  pavilions,  and  all  kinds  of  plants. 
The  middle  booth  nine  spacious  rooms  displayed. 
One  for  the  royal  audiences,  adorned 
And  pleasant  as  a  bed  of  flowers. 

The  King 
A  festival  maintained  for  forty  days, 
With  games  and  sports  and  dances  to  divert. 
And  never  was  such  animation  seen ! 
All  ate  and  drank  to  sound  of  music  sweet. 
They  passed  the  loving-cup  and  drank  to  each 
In  turn. 

For  forty  days  resounded  there 
The  gongs  and  gendarangs,  and  joyous  tones 
Of  gay  serouni  and  ne-firi  glad. 
"  How  beautiful  is  Bidasari !  "  all 
Exclaimed ;  "  a  thousand  times  more  lovely  than 
The  Queen."    Thrice  happy  are  the  merchant  now 
And  his  good  wife ;  by  marriage  they're  allied 
To  our  great  King,  though  strangers  to  the  land. 
We  count  it  strange  that  Bidasari's  face 
In  naught  is  like  the  merchant  nor  his  wife. 
Who  knoweth  but  that  she,  in  mortal  shape, 
An  angel  fair  may  be?     Full  many  slaves 
The  merchant  hath,  but  never  children  own." 
"  He  found  her  when  a  babe,  upon  the  shore," 
Another  said,  "  and  brought  her  up." 

The  King 
Heard  all  their  words.     He  thought :     "  It  is  the  truth 
And  this  I  take  as  proof  of  her  high  birth. 
She  certainly  is  noble  or  come  down 
From  heaven." 

When  four  days  had  fled,  the  wives 
Of  tnantris  dressed  the  beauteous  girl.     They  clad 
Her  form  in  satins  soft  of  Egypt,  shot 
With  gold,  adorned  with  precious  stones  inset 
And  many  gems.     Her  beauty  was  enhanced 
The  more,  till  she  a  radiant  angel  seemed. 
She  wore  a  tunic,  crimson  and  pomegranate, 
With  buttons  shaped  like  butterflies.     She  was 


52  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Adorned  with  padaka  of  five  quaint  clasps, 

And  belt  called  naga  souma.     Ear-rings  rich 

She  had,  of  diamonds  set  in  gold,  and  wrought 

Most  wondrously,  as  bright  as  daylight's  gleam ; 

A  ring  most  marvellous  and  rare  she  wore 

Called  astakouna,  and  another  named 

Gland  kana,  and  a  third  from  far  Ceylon, 

Studded  with  precious  stones.     Her  eyes  were  like 

The  stars  of  orient  skies.     Her  teeth  were  black. 

Her  face  like  water  shone.     Her  chiselled  nose 

Was  prominent  and  like  a  flower  fresh  culled. 

When  she  was  dressed,  upon  a  couch  of  pearls 

Her  mother  put  her.     Supple  was  her  form, 

And  white,  as  she  reclined,  by  many  maids 

Surrounded.    In  his  royal  garb  the  prince 

Was  clad,  and  dazzling  to  the  eyes  of  all 

Who  saw.     He  wore  a  kingly  crown  which  shone 

With  diamonds  bright  and  lucent  amethysts 

And  many  stones,  and  all  majestic  seemed. 

Then  rice  was  brought.     The  King  with  pleasure  ate, 

And  what  was  left  he  gave  the  mantris'  wives. 

When  all  had  finished  he  perfumed  himself 

And  gazed  upon  his  lovely  wife.     Her  face 

And  form  were  charming.     Her  soft  tresses  curled 

In  grace.     Her  eyes  still  kept  the  trace  of  tears. 

Which  made  her  lovelier.     The  silken  folds 

Of  soft  Egyptian  curtains  fell.     They  were  alone. 

"  Awake,  my  darling,"  said  the  prince  at  dawn, 

"  Crown  of  my  life,  awake,  my  pretty  one." 

Then  Bidasari  waked  and  said,  with  tears: 

"  My  friend,  I  had  all  sorts  of  wondrous  dreams. 

I  saw  a  palm-tree  tall  with  tufted  limbs, 

And  fruits  all  ripe."    When  three  days  more  had  fled 

And  all  the  people  saw  and  loud  acclaimed. 

Then  Bidasari  took  the  rank  of  Queen. 

The  King  overloaded  her  with  gifts  and  loved 

Her  tenderly.     "Oh,  let  us  live  and  die 

Together,  dear,  and,  as  the  days  go  by. 

Think  more  of  one  another,  and  our  love 

Preserve,  as  in  the  hollow  of  the  hand 


BIDASARI 

Oil  is  upheld,  nor  falls  a  single  drop." 
So  spake  the  King. 

The  merchant  and  his  wife 
Were  soon  established  in  the  neighborhood, 
Near  to  Queen  Bidasari's  palace  grand. 
A  hundred  servants  had  they  to  fulfil 
Their  orders.     They  sent  gifts  to  all  their  friends. 
And  food  to  last  a  month. 

A  certain  day 
It  chanced  that  Bidasari  said :   "  O  King, 
Why  goest  thou  no  more  within  the  gates 
Of  that  thine  other  palace  ?     Of  a  truth 
Queen  Lila  Sari  will  be  vexed,  because 
Thou  hast  abandoned  her  so  long  a  time. 
She'll  think  that  I  have  kept  thee  from  her  side 
Unwilling  thou  shouldst  go."     So,  with  all  sorts 
Of  words,  fair  Bidasari  strove  to  urge 
The  King  to  visit  Lila  Sari.     "  I 
Will  go  to-morrow,"  finally  he  said. 
He  went,  when  morning  came,  and  met  the  Queen. 
She  turned  him  back,  and  with  sharp,  bitter  words 
Reproached  him.     "  Wretched  one,  I  will  not  see 
Thy  face.     I  love  thee  not.     I  hate  thee.     Go! 
Lila  Djouhara's  son-in-law,  thou'rt  not 
To  me  an  equal.     Thy  new  wife's  an  ape. 
Who  liveth  in  the  woods." 

But  when  the  King 
Heard  these  vociferations  of  the  Queen, 
He  said :     "  Branch  of  my  heart,  light  of  my  eyes, 
Oh,  be  not  vexed,  my  dear.     It  was  not  I 
Who  wrong  began,  but  thou  didst  cause  it  all. 
For  thou  didst  hide  thy  deed  from  me,  and  drive 
Me  on  to  this  extremity.     Oh,  why 
Art  thou  now  angry  with  me  ?     If  thou  wilt 
But  love  her,  and  attach  thy  heart  to  hers, 
She'll  pardon  thee,  and  take  thee  as  a  friend." 
As  more  and  more  enraged  the  Queen  became, 
Her  wrath  with  strong  reproaches  overflowed. 
"  Depart  from  here,  accursed  of  God !    Thou  art 
No  longer  husband  mine.     Go  live  with  her 


53 


54  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Whom  God  hath  struck,  but  whom  thou  dost  delight 

To  honor.     Formerly  of  noble  blood 

Thou  wert,  but  now  no  more  than  broken  straw. 

Thou  needst  not  further  try  to  flatter  me. 

Though  thou  shouldst  purify  thyself  seven  times,  false  one, 

I'd  not  permit  thee  to  approach  my  side." 

The  King  grew  angry  and  replied :   "  'Tis  thou 

Who  art  despicable.     Thy  cunning  tricks 

Are  worthless  now.     Thy  jealousy  insane 

Was  without  cause,  and  common  were  thy  acts. 

Thy  wit  is  much  below  thy  beauty.     Ill 

Will  follow  thee,  should  I  protection  cease." 

"  Have  I  forgot  my  noble  birth  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  But  thou  hast  erred,  to  lower  thine  high  estate 

To  people  of  such  base  extraction.     Here 

And  everywhere  thy  shame  is  known,  that  thou 

Art  wedded  to  a  gadabout.     Is  it 

For  princes  thus  to  wed  a  merchant's  child  ? 

She  ought  far  in  the  woods  to  dwell,  and  know 

Most  evil  destiny."     The  King  but  smiled 

And  said :    "  If  this  event  is  noised  abroad, 

'Tis  thou  who  wilt  receive  an  evil  name. 

For  who  in  all  the  land  would  dare  prevent 

The  King  from  marrying?     I  ought  to  take 

From  thee  all  I  have  given.     But  before 

The  people  I've  no  wish  to  humble  thee. 

Is  it  because  I  met  thy  every  wish 

That  thou  art  grown  so  bad?     Most  evil  hath 

Thy  conduct  been,  and  I  with  thee  am  wroth," 

And  in  hot  anger  rushed  the  King  away, 

And  straight  repaired  to  Bidasari's  side. 


SONG  IV 

THIS  song  will  tell  again  about  the  prince 
Of  Kembajat,  most  powerful.    He  was  chased 
By  fell  garouda,  horrid  bird  of  prey, 
And  sought  another  land.     His  way  he  took 
Toward  Indrapura.     At  the  break  of  dawn 
A  daughter  fair  was  born,  a  princess  true. 
Within  a  boat  that  lay  upon  a  shore. 
The  Queen  and  he  abandoned  her,  and  went 
Back  to  the  royal  palace  and  for  days 
Bemoaned  her  fate.     Of  her  they  nothing  heard. 
"  Alas  my  child !  "  the  father  cried,  "  my  dear. 
In  whose  care  art  thou  now  ?    We  do  not  know 
If  thou  art  dead  or  living.     Thus  thy  sire 
Hath  no  repose.     Light  of  mine  eyes,  my  love. 
My  purest  gold,  our  hearts  are  torn  with  grief. 
An  evil  fate  was  ours  to  hide  thee  there. 
We  do  repent  the  deed.     To  think  that  thou 
Perchance  hath  fallen  among  the  poorest  folk! 
A  slave  perhaps  thou  art !  "    The  prince's  son 
Remarked  the  sorrow  of  his  parents  dear. 
And  was  profoundly  moved.     "  Have  I,"  he  asked, 
"  A  sister  ?    Tell  me  why  have  ye  concealed 
Her  far  away  ?    Did  ye  not  care  for  her  ? 
Was  she  a  burden  that  ye  must  forsake 
Her  thus  ?     Doth  shame  not  fill  your  parents'  hearts  ?  " 
But  when  he  heard  the  tale  in  full,  he  said : 
"  O  father,  let  me  go  to  seek  for  her, 
My  sister  dear.     If  I  succeed  I'll  bring 
Her  back  to  thee."     "  Oh,  leave  us  not,  my  son," 
The  father  said.     "  Thou  art  our  only  heir. 
Like  a  tamed  bird  upon  our  shoulders  fain 
We've  carried  thee,  and  watched  thee,  day  and  night. 
Whv  shouldst  thou  leave  us  now?    Oh,  go  not  forth. 

55 


56  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Vex  not  thyself  about  thy  sister  dear. 
From  travellers  we  shall  get  news  of  her, 
And  her  abode  discover." 

Then  the  prince 
Bowed  low  and  said :  "  My  father,  lord,  and  King, 
I  am  but  strengthened  in  my  wish  to  go 
And  find  my  sister.     Let  me  now  depart. 
And  seek  for  news  of  her."    The  King  replied : 
"  Well,  go,  my  dearest  son ;  thy  heart  is  good. 
Though  but  a  child  thou  still  dost  bear  a  brain." 
Then  summoned  the  young  prince  the  merchants  all. 
And  bought  much  goods  and  questioned  them  in  turn 
About  all  neighboring  villages  and  camps. 
They  told  whate'er  they  knew  most  willingly, 
For  much  the  young  prince  was  beloved  by  them. 
Among  them  was  a  youth  of  handsome  face, 
Fair  Bidasari's  foster-brother  tall. 
Amid  the  strangers  sat  he  near  the  throne ; 
His  name  was  Sinapati.     He  was  brave 
And  wise.     Now  as  he  watched  the  prince  he  thought, 
"  How  strangely  like  dear  Bidasari's  face 
Is  his,  as  when  a  reed  is  split  in  twain 
There  is  no  difiference  between  the  halves." 
His  home  he  left  when  Bidasari  fair 
Became  the  Queen.     He  thought  of  her  and  wept. 
The  prince  observed  him  there,  and  said,  with  smiles : 
"  Young  man,  my  friend,  from  what  far  town  art  thou  ? 
Why  dost  thou  weep  so  bitterly?     What  thoughts 
Arise  in  thee  and  make  thy  visage  dark  ?  " 
Young  Sinapati  bowed  and  said :   "  My  lord, 
I  came  from  Indrapura,  in  a  ship. 
My  wares  to  sell.     For  that  I  do  not  weep. 
But  sorrow  cometh  to  my  heart  whene'er 
I  think  upon  my  home,  and  brothers  dear. 
And  sisters." 

At  these  words  the  prince  rejoiced. 
He  thought,  "  From  him  some  news  I'll  surely  learn." 
Sherbets  and  dainties  then  to  all  the  folk 
He  offered,  and  the  cup  went  'round  from  dawn 
Till  noon^  and  then  the  merchants  went  away ; 


BIDASARI  57 

But  the  young  prince  kept  Sinapati  there. 

Now  he  already  strong  affection  felt 

For  him  and  said :  ''  My  friend,  toward  thee  Fm  moved 

And  look  upon  thee  as  a  brother  dear. 

Thou  dost  at  Indrapura  live,  but  who 

May  be  thy  patron  there  ?  "    Then  with  a  smile 

Young  Sinapati  said :    "  My  patron's  called 

Lila  Djouhara,  merchant  great.     He  owns 

Some  six  or  seven  swift  ships,  and  toileth  more 

Than  ever  since  he  Bidasari  took 

As  child."     In  two  days'  time  the  young  prince  went 

With  Sinapati  to  his  father's  house. 

"  I  bring  thee  news,"  he  said,  "but  nothing  yet 

Is  sure.     Behold  from  Indrapura  far 

A  youth,  from  whom  I've  things  of  import  great. 

A  merchant  of  Pesara,  very  rich, 

My  sister  must  have  found.     All  well  agrees 

With  what  to  me  thou  saidst.     Now  must  we  seek 

For  confirmation  of  the  glad  report." 

To  Sinapati  gold  and  gems  they  gave. 

Then  spake  the  King :     "  If  this  be  so  I'll  send 

An  envoy  bearing  richest  gifts,  and  thanks 

Within  a  letter  writ." 

The  youthful  prince 
Bowed  low  and  said :  "  Oh,  send  me  on  this  quest ! 
Lila  Djouhara  I  would  like  to  see. 
Perhaps  he's  virtuous  and  just.     If  I 
Am  made  full  sure  it  is  my  sister  dear, 
I'll  send  a  messenger.     And  if  it  be 
I'll  bring  her  back." 

The  King  was  moved 
To  hear  his  son  thus  speak.     "  O  dearest  child," 
He  said :   "I'm  very  loath  to  let  thee  go. 
But  thou  must  many  horsemen  take  with  thee, 
Lest  thou  shouldst  long  be  absent." 

"  Why  should  I 
Be  long  away  ?  "  the  prince  replied,  with  bows ; 
"  For  if  Lila  Djouhara  will  not  let 
Her  come,  I  shall  forthwith  return  to  thee." 
The  King  could  now  no  more  object.     He  gave 


58  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Commands  to  make  an  expedition  great. 
With  richest  gifts,  and  food,  and  princely  things, 
And  sent  him  forth  with  blessings  on  his  head. 
"  Stay  not  too  long ;  thou  art  my  only  hope," 
The  King  exclaimed ;  "  I'm  getting  old,  my  son. 
And  thou  my  heir  upon  the  throne  must  be." 
They  started  early  on  the  fourteenth  day 
Of  that  same  month.     And  Sinapati  rode 
Beside  the  Prince. 

Some  went  on  foot  and  some 
On  horses.     When  they  far  had  gone,  the  prince 
Said  to  the  youth :  "  Now  listen,  friend.     When  we 
Arrive  thou  must  not  name  my  family 
And  rank.     I'm  someone  from  another  town. 
It  doth  not  please  me  to  declare  my  rank 
To  strangers.     Should  the  girl  my  sister  prove. 
Thou  mayst  tell  all,  for  I  shall  soon  return." 
Thus  speaking,  the  young  prince  his  way  maintained, 
And  soon  arrived  near  to  the  city  sought. 
He  Sinapati  left,  and  went  within 
The  gates,  with  four  companions,  true  as  steel, 
And  six  attendants.     They  at  once  repaired 
To  the  campong  of  good  Lila  Djouhara. 
They  found  it  closed,  with  a  forsaken  look. 
"  There's  no  one  here.     The  King  hath  taken  all 
Away,  both  old  and  young,"  said  the  mandar. 
Then  Sinapati  beat  his  breast  and  said: 
"  What  hath  become  of  my  dear  patron,  then  ?  " 
"  Be  not  disturbed.     No  harm  hath  come  to  him. 
The  merchant  with  the  King  hath  gone,  because 
The  King  hath  married  Bidasari  fair, 
And  made  of  her  a  queen,  and  built  a  fine 
New  palace  in  the  country  wild.     There  all 
Is  joy  and  happiness."     Beyond  all  count 
Was  Sinapati  glad  to  hear  these  words. 
Then  to  the  prince  he  said :  "  My  gracious  lord, 
Lila  Djouhara's  near  at  hand.     He  is 
In  highest  favor  with  the  King,  and  bears 
A  title  new."    They  hurried  forth  to  find 
His  residence.    " It  is  the  left  campong" 


BIDASARI 


59 


Remarked  a  country-man.     "  Thy  lord  is  grand 

And  powerful  now,  and  master  of  us  here. 

The  King  hath  now  become  his  son-in-law." 

Then  Sinapati  went  within  the  gates 

And  saw  his  mother  there.     Her  heart  was  touched. 

She  kissed  him  and  inquired,  "  Whom  hast  thou  brought  ?  '' 

"  It  is  a  friend,"  he  answered.     "  Come,  my  lord," 

She  to  the  young  prince  said,  "  enter  and  rest," 

"  He's  so  like  Bidasari,"  to  herself 

She  said.     "  What  is  thy  name,  my  brave  young  man, 

Thou  seemest  nobly  born.     In  very  truth 

Thou'rt  handsome  and  well  mannered."    Then  the  prince 

Said :     "  Poutra  Bangsawan  I'm  called.    Thy  son 

I've  followed  here."     But  Sinapati  paid 

Him  homage,  and  they  knew  him  for  a  prince. 

Before  his  door  young  Sinapati  slept 

At  night  to  guard  him  safe.     Next  day  there  came 

An  invitation  from  Lila  Mengindra 

(Before,  Djouhara).     So  they  started  forth. 

Lila  Mengindra  was  astonished  quite 

To  see  the  prince's  face  so  beautiful. 

"  Who  is  this  most  distinguished  stranger  here  ?  " 

He  asked  himself.     "  My  master,  speak  a  word 

To  Poutra  Bangsawan,  a  friend  of  mine," 

Said  Sinapati.     So  the  old  man  turned 

And  spoke  unto  the  prince,  "  Come  here,  my  son, 

And  sit  thee  near  thy  father."     He  felt  drawn 

To  him,  he  looked  so  much  Hke  Bidasari. 

The  young  prince  smiled  and  on  the  dais  sat. 

"  What  is  thy  visit's  purpose  ?  "  then  inquired 

The  good  old  man.     The  prince  with  bows  polite 

Replied :   "  I'm  but  a  humble  stranger,  come 

To  find  my  sister.     I  bespeak  thine  aid." 

"  Be  not  afraid,  my  son,  but  trust  in  me. 

Nor  fear  to  give  thy  sister's  name.     If  thou 

Wilt  have  it  so  I'll  take  thee  for  a  son ; 

I  love  thee  for  thou  hast  a  face  so  like 

My  daughter's."    Then  the  brave  young  prince  began 

And  told  his  sister's  story,  how  she  was 

In  time  of  stress  abandoned  on  the  shore. 


6o  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

"  And  if  I  only  knew,"  he  said,  *'  where  now  ' 

She  is,  I'd  be  her  master's  willing  slave." 

Now  when  Lila  Mengindra  heard  his  tale 

His  joy  was  quite  unspeakable.     His  love 

For  Bidasari's  brother  greater  grew. 

With  smiles  he  asked :     "  Now,  Poutra  Bangsawan, 

Say  of  what  family  thou  art,  that  I 

May  aid  thee  in  thy  quest,  and  help  thee  find 

Thy  sister."     Then  the  young  prince  bowed  his  head 

And  pondered,  ''  Shall  I  lie  ?  "     For  he  knew  not 

If  'twere  his  sister.     Lila  saw  his  mood 

And  said :     "  Be  not  disturbed.     It  is  most  sure 

That  thy  dear  sister's  here.     So  speak  the  truth, 

That  my  old  heart  may  be  surcharged  with  joy. 

Thy  sister's  seated  on  a  throne,  and  like 

A  brilliant  jewel  is  her  family. 

Be  no  more  sorry.    As  for  me,  my  heart 

Is  full  of  joy." 

The  prince  looked  in  his  face 
And  said :    "  Can  I  confide  in  him  ?     I  am 
A  stranger  here  and  fear  to  be  deceived." 
Said  Sinapati :  "  Speak  not  thus,  I  pray. 
For  everybody  knows  this  man  can  tell 
Ten-carat  gold  from  dross.     Now  list,  my  lord. 
Although  he  bids  me  silent  be,  a  prince 
He  is,  son  of  a  powerful  king,  and  comes 
To  seek  his  sister."     Then  within  his  heart 
The  former  merchant  much  rejoiced,  as  if 
He'd  found  a  mountain  of  pure  gems.     He  paid 
His  homage  to  the  prince  in  proper  form, 
And  took  him  into  his  abode,  to  meet 
His  wife  and  all  within.     The  spouses  two 
To  him  exclaimed :    "  Dear  prince,  in  our  old  age 
We're  very  happy.     When  thy  sister  sweet 
We  found,  o'erjoyed  were  we.     And  now  the  King 
Hath  married  her,  and  raised  her  to  the  throne. 
He  hath  our  family  to  noble  rank 
Upraised,  and  covered  us  with  benefits." 
Then  smiling  said  the  prince :   "  I  learn  with  joy 
My  sister  sweet  is  here.     When  may  I  go 


BIDASARI  6i 

Before  the  King  and  see  her?     For  I've  come 

To  take  her  home.    And  yet  I  fear  the  King 

Will  never  let  her  go  away  from  him. 

When  I  have  seen  her  I'll  return  again." 

In  three  days'  time  the  King  gave  audience. 

The  former  merchant  with  him  took  the  prince, 

Who  sent  the  richest  presents  on  before. 

The  princeling  was  most  gorgeously  attired 

And  bore  himself  with  haughty  dignity. 

His  robe  was  rich,  his  tunic  violet 

And  fire.     His  many-colored  turban  bore 

Bright  agates.     At  his  girdle  hung  his  kriss. 

He  was  entirely  clad  as  prince  should  be, 

And  bracelets  wore  with  little  bells  and  rings. 

His  leggings  were  embroidered  with  bright  flowers 

Called  pouspa  angatan.     He  seemed  divine — 

His  beauty  was  extraordinary.     Pearls 

In  numbers  countless  covered  all  his  garb ; 

An  amulet  he  had  with  sacred  verse 

From  the  Koran,  a  diamond  pure.     He  rode 

A  steed  most  richly  housed,  with  shabraque  decked 

With  gleaming  jewels  casting  rays  of  light. 

Twas  thus  the  prince  set  out  to  meet  the  King. 

Lila  Mengindra  with  him  went.     The  prince 

Approached  the  King's  pavilion,  and  at  once 

The  King  remarked  his  beauty  and  his  mien 

Of  noble  grace.     ''  Who  can  he  be  ?  "  he  thought. 

Meanwhile  the  prince  dismounted  and  appeared 

Before  the  King.     Full  seven  times  he  bowed 

And  said,  "  O  may  your  happiness  increase. 

Illustrious  sovereign ! " 

Then  the  King  with  smiles 
Lila  Mengindra  questioned,  "  Who  is  this 
Thou  hither  bringest,  of  such  noble  mien 
And  amiable  face  ?  " 

With  humble  bow 
The  former  merchant  said :  "  This  slave  of  thine 
Has  come  from  lands  remote,  from  Kembajat, 
Upon  the  seashore,  since  thy  Majesty 
He  wished  to  see.    His  presents  few  he  sent 


62  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Before  him,  which  he  hopes  thou  wilt  accept." 

The  former  merchant  thought :     "  I  would  his  rank 

Divulge.     But  some  might  think  I  lied  because 

The  King  hath  Bidasari  wed,  and  if 

She  knew  she  was  a  princess  born  she  might 

Be  very  vain  and  haughty." 

To  the  prince 
The  King  was  very  friendly.     "  Come  and  sit 
Here  by  my  side,"  he  said,  "  for  thee  I  deem 
A  brother."    "  Let  me  here  remain,  my  lord, 
I  am  a  poor  unworthy  servitor. 
I  hope  that  thou  wilt  pardon  me.     I  would 
I  might  become  a  subject  of  thy  crown." 
The  King  thought :   "  This  may  be  some  royal  heir 
Who  here  hath  wandered.     He  resembles  much 
Our  Bidasari.     Pity  'tis  that  he 
Unto  another  nation  doth  belong." 
Then  pleasantly  he  said :   "  Pray,  truly  tell 
What  is  thine  origin?     Keep  nothing  back. 
What  is  thy  name  ?    The  whole  truth  let  me  know." 
The  young  prince  bowed  him  low  and  said :  "  My  name 
Is  Poutra  Bangsawan,  of  family 
Most  humble.     I  am  searching  everywhere 
To  find  a  sister  lost.     When  she  is  found 
I  shall  return  at  once."    Then  said  the  King: 
"  Where  is  thy  sister  ?     I  will  help  thy  search. 
Stay  here  with  me  a  month  or  two,  that  we 
May  learn  to  know  e^ch  other  and  become 
Fast  friends."    The  young  prince  then  obeisance  made 
And  said :  "  I  bear  thine  orders  on  my  head. 
Thou  art  a  king  illustrious,  and  I 
A  humble  servitor.     I  am  the  son 
Of  good  Lila  Mengindra,  but  for  long 
I've  absent  been.     My  sister  dear  I  seek. 
Thine  aid  I  do  bespeak.     From  Kembajat 
I  come,  a  subject  of  thy  father  there,  the  King. 
Forgive  me,  lord,  for  now  thou  knowest  all." 
The  King  rejoiced  to  hear  a  voice  that  seemed 
So  much  like  Bidasari's,  and  inquired 
Of  Sinapati,  "  Tell  me  now  his  race." 


BIDASARI  63 

Then  Sinapati  bowed  and  said :    "  My  lord, 

Of  princes  and  of  caliphs  is  his  race. 

His  kingdom,  not  so  far,  is  most  superb; 

His  palace  is  most  beautiful  and  grand. 

Swift  ships  within  the  harbor  lie,  all  well 

Equipped."    At  this  the  King  enchanted  was, 

To  find  a  prince  was  brother  to  his  wife. 

Still  more  he  asked  and  Sinapati  said: 

"  Because  his  realm  was  ravaged  by  the  foe 

He  hath  misfortunes  suffered  manifold." 

Then  knew  the  King  he  was  of  royal  blood 

And  had  adversity  experienced. 

The  King  came  from  his  throne  and  said,  "  My  friend, 

My  palace  enter."    So  the  King  and  prince 

Went  in.     They  met  fair  Bidasari  there. 

She  sat  beside  a  Chinese  window  quaint. 

All  choicely  carved.     She  saw  the  King  and  thought, 

**  What  fine  young  man  is  this  he  bringeth  here  ?  " 

When  they  were  seated  all,  the  young  prince  looked 

At  Bidasari :    "  Beautiful  is  she," 

He  thought,  "  my  sister  dear,  and  very  like 

My  father."    Then  the  King  with  smiling  face 

Said:  "  Bidasari,  darling,  speak  to  him. 

He  is  thy  younger  brother,  come  to  seek 

Thee  here.     From  Kembajat  he  came.     And  thy 

Dear  father  mourns  for  thee  the  livelong  day." 

At  this  fair  Bidasari  sighed.     She  bowed 

Her  head  and  silence  kept.     She  much  was  moved 

Because  she  had  not  known  her  parents  true. 

But  fancied  them  Djouhara  and  his  wife. 

"  Fm  but  a  merchant's  daughter,"  finally 

She  said.     "  Things  all  uncertain  this  young  prince 

Hath  told.     If  Fm  the  daughter  of  a  King, 

Why  hath  he  left  me  here,  and  never  sought 

For  me  through  all  these  years?     Tis  not  so  far 

From  here  to  Kembajat."     The  young  prince  bowed. 

"  Thy  words  I  bear  upon  my  head,"  he  said, 

"  O  sister  dear.     Pray  banish  from  thy  heart 

All  hatred.     If  thou'rt  lowly  born,  I  am 

Likewise.    Our  realm  was  ravaged  at  thy  birth. 


4  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

But  shortly  afterward  fair  peace  returned, 
And  to  his  own  my  father  came  again. 
IVe  seen  how  much  he  suffers  in  his  heart. 
Thy  name  he  never  utters  without  tears — 
He  never  hath  forgotten  thee.     Forgive 
Him,  then,  in  what  he  was  remiss.     Except 
For  stern  necessity  he  never  would 
Have  thee  abandoned." 

Then  the  King  with  smiles 
Said :  "  Speak  to  him,  my  dear.     He  tells  the  truth. 
Thy  parents  wandered  through  a  desert  land 
Beneath  a  cruel  sun.     Impossible 
It  was  to  carry  thee  through  brier  and  brush." 
Down  at  his  sister's  feet  the  young  prince  knelt. 
Then  Bidasari  clasped  him  in  her  arms. 
The  brave  young  prince  to  them  recounted  all 
The  sorrows  of  his  parents.     Much  he  wept. 
And  they  wept,  too,  as  he  the  story  told. 
Then  sat  they  down  to  dine.     And  afterward 
They  siri  took  and  perfumes  of  all  kinds. 
Then  the  young  prince  took  leave.     "  Where  goest  thou. 
My  brother  ?  "  asked  the  King.     "  I  fain  would  go 
Straight  home  to  my  dear  parents,"  said  the  prince. 
But,  with  a  voice  affectionate,  the  King 
Replied :  "  Seek  not  Lila  Mengindra.    Here 
Thou  shouldst  remain,  for  thou  hast  met  within 
This  palace  thy  dear  sister.     There  is  room 
Enough  for  thee.     Stay  here  with  all  thy  folk 
And  retinue."    The  prince  bowed  low,  and  forth 
Unto  the  merchant  went,  and  to  him  said: 
"  Within  the  palace  now  I  shall  remain 
With  all  my  retinue,  for  thus  the  King 
Commands."    The  merchant  said :    "  'Tis  very  well, 
For  where  can  one  lodge  better  than  within 
The  palace  ?  "     So  the  prince  returned,  with  all 
His  people,  to  the  palace  of  the  King. 
Then  all  the  mantris  came,  and  festivals 
And  feasts  were  held.    As  long  as  he  remained 
At  Indrapura,  the  young  prince  received 
All  courtesies.    And  Bidasari  fair 


BIDASARI 

Was  known  as  daughter  of  a  mighty  king. 
The  news  was  carried  far  and  wide,  and  all 
Repeated  how  her  brother  brave  had  come 
To  seek  for  her. 

Queen  Lila  Sari  heard 
And  was  surprised.     She  sighed  in  soHtude, 
And  felt  a  woe  unspeakable.     She  said 
To  a  mandar:  "  I  was  in  too  much  haste. 
On  the  dyangs  I  counted,  but  they  come 
No  more.     All  four  have  gone  and  homage  paid 
To  Bidasari.     All  my  tricks  are  foiled. 
In  no  one  can  I  trust."     Dang  Lila  then 
Approached  and  said :   "  Acts  of  unfaithfulness 
Bring  never  happiness.     God's  on  the  side 
Of  loyalty.    Now  those  dyangs  are  sad 
And  languish  after  thee,  but  fear  the  King, 
Dost  thou  not  think,  O  Queen,  thou  ill  hast  wrought? 
For  while  the  King  is  absent  none  will  come 
Thy  heart  to  cheer."    The  Queen  replied  with  ire : 
"  Seek  not  to  consolation  give.    The  King 
Esteems  me  not.     I'll  not  humiliate 
Myself  before  him.     Who  is  that  young  prince. 
So  called,  who  hither  came?    A  pirate's  son 
He  well  may  prove,  and  calls  himself  a  prince. 
Go  ye,  dyangs,  pay  service  to  the  King, 
And  he  may  favor  ye  as  he  did  her." 
She  seemed  most  wroth.     But  she  repented  sore 
In  truth,  and  pined  away  in  sorrow  deep. 
In  other  days  she  had  no  wish  nor  whim 
Unsatisfied.     Now  all  were  for  the  King. 
The  Queen's  heart  angrier  grew  from  day  to  day 
As  if  a  scorpion's  sting  had  wounded  her. 
And  her  distress  grew  greater  when  she  thought 
Upon  the  love  of  other  days.     Her  heart 
Was  inconsolable  because  so  bitterly 
She  missed  the  pomp  and  glory  of  her  court. 
But  Bidasari  to  the  King  one  day 
Said :  "  Send  back  these  mendars;  for  if  they  all 
Stay  here,  Queen  Lila  Sari  all  alone 
Will  be."    The  King  with  smiles  replied :    "  Oh,  no ! 
S 


65 


66  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

I  will  not  let  them  go.     She  is  so  fell 

And  barbarous,  she  no  one  loves.     She  is 

Much  better  all  alone."    Then  to  the  King 

Fair  Bidasari  said :    "  Thine  anger  was 

Too  prompt.     She  spoke  in  wrath  because  she  was 

Accustomed  to  a  court.     In  what  to  thee 

Hath  she  been  wanting,  that  thou  shouldst  repel 

Her  thus?    Thou  gav'st  her  love,  and  now  thou  dost 

Abandon  her  in  sorrow.     Be  not  thus 

Incensed  with  her,  for  should  she  come  to  want 

The  shame  would  be  reflected  on  thy  head." 

The  King's  face  lighted,  and  he  said :     "  My  dear, 

I  went  to  see  her,  but  she  drove  me  forth 

With  bitter  words.     Her  conduct  was  beyond 

All  bearing.    And  she  heaped  on  me  abuse." 

But  Princess  Bidasari  said :  "  Dwell  not 

On  that,  my  friend.     She  was  disturbed  by  wrath 

And  jealousy.     In  other  days  thou  didst 

Embrace  and  kiss  her.     Now  she  is  alone. 

And  thou  perchance  didst  somehow  hurt 

Or  bruise  her  body."    All  his  anger  left 

The  King  at  this.     He  said :   "  O  purest  soul, 

Thou  speakest  well  and  wisely.     How  could  I 

Not  love  thee,  dear,  and  cling  to  thee  for  life? 

Oh,  never  may  we  separated  be ! 

Branch  of  my  heart,  light  of  my  eyes,  thou  dost 

But  good  desire.    Thou'rt  all  the  world  to  me. 

I'll  go  to  her,  since  thou  doth  ask.     Perchance 

A  reconciliation  may  be  made. 

But  she  must  first  admit  her  faults.     If  she 

Repentance  shows,  to  see  her  I  will  go." 

The  merchant's  wife  had  come  and  heard  these  words. 

Her  warm  tears  fell.     She  thought  within  herself, 

"  My  daughter  hath  no  vengeance  in  her  heart." 

Then  Dang  Bidouri  brought  delicious  rice 

Unto  the  King  and  Queen.     They  ate  and  drank. 

And  stronger  grew  their  love  from  hour  to  hour. 

Then  gave  the  King  commands  to  call  the  prince. 

He  came  with  smiling  face  and  graceful  bows. 

"  Sit  here  beside  us,"  said  the  King,  and  all 


BIDASARI  67 

The  three  dined  there  together,  royal  ones. 
Surrounded  by  deft  servants  and  dyangs. 
They  chatted  gayly,  and,  with  laughter,  ate. 
When  all  was  finished,  from  the  betel-box 
The  King  of  siri  took,  perfumed  himself, 
And  then  the  prince  retired. 

When  two  short  months 
Had  fled,  the  prince  bethought  him  of  his  home 
And  parents.     To  himself  he  said,  "  I'll  go." 
He  gave  commands  to  preparation  make 
For  his  departure.     "  I  am  loath  to  leave 
My  sister,"  he  to  Sinapati  said. 
"  My  life  is  joyous  here.     But  there  at  home 
Fve  left  my  parents  in  solicitude." 
Then  Sinapati  bowed  and  said,  "  With  thee 
I'll  go." 


SONG  V 

A  CERTAIN  day  the  mantris  came 
Before  the  King,  in  the  pavilion  grand. 
And  with  them  came  the  youthful  prince,  and  cast 
Himself  before  the  throne.     The  King  with  smiles 
Said :    "  Sit  thou  at  my  side,  my  brother  dear, 
I  have  not  seen  thee  for  a  day  entire." 
The  princeHng  bowed  and  said :    "  My  gracious  lord 
If  thou  wilt  pardon  me,  I  would  return 
And  give  my  parents  dear  the  joyful  news. 
My  father  bade  me  seek  my  sister  lost. 
And  still  he  nothing  knows  of  her  good  fate." 
The  King  replied  with  sorrow :   "  Brother  mine, 
Why  wilt  thou  go  so  soon?    We  scarcely  are 
Acquainted,  and  I  have  not  had  enough 
Of  thy  dear  company,"     The  prince  repHed: 
"  Oh,  be  not  sorrowful,  my  gracious  lord. 
As  soon  as  I  have  my  dear  father  seen 
I'll  tell  him  what  good  things  have  come  to  pass. 
Twill  soothe  his  heart  to  hear  my  sister's  joy. 
My  parents  will  be  glad  in  learning  all 
Thy  goodness  great.     And  pray  consider  me 
Thy  subject  leal.     Soon  I'll  return  again." 
The  King's  emotion  grew.     With  pleasant  voice 
He  said :  "  Take  counsel  of  thy  sister.     Heed 
What  she  may  say."    They  found  the  Queen  within, 
Fair  Bidasari,  and  attending  her 
Dyang  Agous  Djouhari.     All  sat  down 
And  took  some  siri  from  the  betel-box. 
The  Queen  to  the  young  prince  then  spoke :  "  Come  here. 
My  brother,  why  have  I  thy  face  not  seen 
For  two  long  days  ?  "    With  bows  the  prince  replied : 
"  I've  had  a  multitude  of  things  to  do. 
Thus  came  I  not;  for  my  companions  all 

68 


BIDASARI  69 

Seek  homeward  to  return.     So  I  must  take 

My  leave  of  thee  upon  the  morrow  morn, 

When  pales  the  silver  moon  before  the  dawn." 

The  Queen  was  grieved  to  hear  these  words,  and  shed 

A  flood  of  tears.     Her  tender  heart  was  touched. 

Beside  herself  with  sorrow  she  exclaimed : 

"  O  prince  illustrious !     How  canst  thou  go, 

Since  we  have  met  ?    I've  loved  thee  from  the  time 

I  knew  thou  wert  my  brother.     I  am  grieved 

To  hear  thee  say  thou  wilt  so  soon  depart. 

Of  low  extraction  must  I  be !     'Twas  wrong 

For  thee  to  call  thyself  my  brother.     I 

A  poor  and  feeble  orphan  am,  and  how 

Should  I  the  love  deserve  of  a  great  prince  ?  " 

When  this  he  heard  the  prince  bowed  low  his  head 

And  was  much  troubled.     "  Sister  sweet,"  he  said, 

"  Grieve  not  like  this.     I  only  do  return 

Because  our  parents  must  so  anxious  be. 

I  love  thee  so,  my  darling,  that  my  heart 

Is  nearly  breaking.     If  thou  speakest  thus 

To  me,  my  dear,  my  grief  will  still  increase. 

I  could  not  leave  thee,  but  I  must  respect 

Our  parents'  wishes.    They  commanded  me 

All  haste  to  make.    So — sweet — I  pray  thee  have 

Compassion  on  me." 

Much  disturbed,  the  King 
Observ^ed  the  sorrow  of  the  princess  fair. 
He  kissed  her  lips,  to  her  a  sepah  gave. 
And  said  with  tender  voice :   "  My  darling  wife, 
What  dost  thou  wish  ?    Let  now  thy  brother  go. 
We'll  see  thy  parents  here  ere  many  days." 
The  Queen  wept  bitterly,  and  said  to  him: 
"  His  wishes  I  do  not  oppose.     Let  him 
Do  whatsoe'er  it  pleaseth  him  to  do. 
For  I  am  but  a  stranger,  a  lost  child, 
And  who  should  think  of  me  or  love  me  true  ?  " 
Then  bowed  the  prince  and  said :   "  In  very  truth, 
I  know  thou  art  my  sister.     Speak  not  thus. 
God  knows  how  much  I  love  thee,  sister  mine. 
If  thou  dost  not  permit  me  to  depart 


70  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

I'll  not  resist.     I'm  happy  here  with  thee, 

But  our  dear  parents  are  in  cruel  doubt, 

And  look  for  news  of  thee.     Now  that  I  know 

Thy  husband  is  a  king,  our  parents  dear 

Would  be  so  overjoyed  to  learn  it  too !  " 

Then  spoke  the  King  with  face  all  radiant, 

"  Return  not,  brother  mine,"  he  said.     "  I'll  send 

Swift  messengers  to  bear  the  gladsome  news 

That  Bidasari's  found.     Then,  if  he  wills. 

Thy  royal  father  here  we'll  hope  to  see. 

I'll  go  myself  to  meet  him  when  he  comes." 

The  young  prince  bowed  and  said :  ''  Nay,  rather  send 

Thy  messengers,  a  great  king  cannot  go 

So  far  away."     Queen  Bidasari  heard 

These  words  and  much  rejoiced,  and  gayly  gave 

Her  brother  then  her  betel-box. 

The  King 
Caressed  his  wife  and  said,  "  My  dearest  soul. 
Love  not  thy  brother  more  than  me."     He  called 
Lila  Mengindra.     Soon  the  merchant  came 
Before  the  King  and  prince.     The  King  exclaimed : 
"  Come  here,  my  uncle.    Tell  me,  wilt  thou  take 
A  letter  to  the  King  of  Kembajat — 
To  prove  to  him  we  live  ?  " 

So  spake  the  King 
And  called  his  counsellor  of  state,  who  came 
And  kissed  his  hands.    The  King  then  bade  him  write 
A  letter,  all  in  characters  of  gold. 
"  Well,"  cried  the  King,  "  let's  hear  the  letter  now." 
"  Now  glory  be  to  God,"  it  thus  began. 
And  all  fair  Bidasari's  history 
Recited.    Then  the  King  a  mighty  host 
Assembled  and  with  elephants  and  steeds 
Ten  mantris  took  the  letter  of  the  prince 
Unto  his  parents.    With  the  cavalcade 
There  went  a  laksimana  great,  who  bore, 
As  king's  ambassador,  bejewelled  flags 
And  standards  rich,  and  presents  of  much  worth. 
Then  Sinapati  by  the  King  was  called 
A  laksimana  mantri,  and  received 


BIDASARI 

A  fine  equipment,  with  a  hundred  men 

To  follow  him.    'Twas  thus  the  King  preserved 

His  reputation  as  a  mighty  king. 

When  he  had  sent  the  embassy,  the  King 
Went  to  his  wife,  and  they  were  very  gay. 
His  love  for  her  grew  greater  every  day. 
The  former  merchant  also  was  beloved. 
He  gave  the  King  good  counsel,  and  obeyed 
His  orders  willingly.    He  often  dined 
Together  with  the  King  and  Queen.    His  wealth 
Grew  vast.    No  one  at  all  could  with  him  vie, 
In  Indrapura.    He  was  much  attached 
To  the  chief  mantri.    They  were  equals  both 
In  prudence,  wisdom,  and  fidelity, 
With  power  unquestioned  over  all  the  folk. 
Beneath  their  sway  prosperity  increased, 
And  many  merchants  came  from  far  and  wide. 
The  kingdom  was  at  peace.    The  King  rejoiced, 
And  everyone  was  happy  in  the  land. 


7J 


SONG  VI 

THE  laksimana  manfri  now  Til  sing, 
Who  went  upon  the  embassy.    As  soon 
As  the  great  King  of  Kembajat  had  news 
Of  his  arrival,  he  was  much  rejoiced. 
He  told  the  Queen,  and  in  the  audience-hall 
Awaited.    Then  went  forth  the  officers 
With  elephants  and  payongs.    A  countless  throng 
Attended  them,  with  music  and  with  flags. 
They  met  the  embassy,  and,  with  rich  gifts. 
They  gave  the  King's  commands.    Into  the  town 
Then  entered  all.    The  King  was  very  glad, 
As  if  his  only  daughter  had  returned. 
All  bowed  before  the  King,  who  took  the  gifts, 
While  servants  took  the  letter  to  the  chief 
Of  mantris.    And  he  gave  it  to  the  King. 
The  monarch  read,  and  was  possessed  with  joy. 
He  could  not  thank  enough  the  merchant  good, 
Who  raised  his  daughter  to  a  royal  throne. 
He  wished  forthwith  to  go  and  see  his  child. 
The  letter  cordial  invitation  gave. 
But  one  thing  troubled  him :  "  He  straight  inquired, 
'  Hath  not  the  prince,  my  son,  the  liberty 
To  come  back  home  ?  '  "    The  laksimana  bowed 
And  said :  "  The  King  wished  not  to  let  him  come 
And  begged  with  tears  that  he  would  stay.    The  Queen 
Feared  if  her  brother  went  she'd  never  see 
Her  father.    From  your  children  both  I  bring 
Warm  greetings.    Kind  indulgence  from  your  heart 
They  ask,  and  press  their  invitation.    I 
Crave  pardon  for  myself,  O  King,  and  hope 
Thy  children  dear  may  see  their  father's  face. 
And  that  the  kingdoms  may  become  one  realm." 
At  these  words  smiled  the  King.    "  Ah,  well !  "  he  said, 

72 


BIDASARI  73 

"  I'll  wait  for  seven  days  still."    Then  questions  flew, 
And  the  great  king  learned  all  about  his  child. 

The  Indrapura  mantris  went  apart 

When  evening  came.    A  separate  palace  grand 

The  King  assigned  them,  with  the  best  of  food. 

He  orders  gave  for  preparations  great. 

Unto  the  Queen  he  said :    "  In  seven  days*  time. 

My  dear,  I  look  to  start,  for  I  shall  have 

No  peace  until  I've  seen  our  darling  child." 

Then  he  assembled  there  his  mantris  all, 

Both  young  and  old,  with  elephants  and  steeds. 

And  all  was  ready  to  set  forth,  as  he  had  wished. 

The  while  the  morning  stars  were  twinkling  still. 

The  royal  gong  resounded  many  times. 

The  guards  leaped  forth  with  joy.    The  officers 

Came  out  and  took  their  shining  helms  of  war. 

Their  naked  swords  all  glistened.    It  was  thus 

They  made  the  glittering  royal  cavalcade. 

Their  flags  and  banners  flaunted  in  the  air, 

All  those  who  stayed  behind  were  sad,  as  if 

A  knife  had  cut  them.    All  together  marched, 

The  lancers  and  the  horsemen,  and  they  seemed 

A  moving  city.    Soon  all  darkened  was 

The  moon,  as  someone  sorrowful.    The  swords 

And  lances  glistened  like  an  island  in 

The  middle  of  the  sea.    Thus  is  described 

The  royal  escort  marching  through  the  land. 

The  King  was  mounted  on  an  elephant. 

His  ^m-bearer  seated  close  behind. 

A  rich  payong  of  royalty,  all  tricked 

With  bells,  was  stretched  above  his  head, 

And  drums  and  other  instruments  without 

Cessation  sounded.    Thus  went  forth  the  King, 

And  soon  to  Indrapura  came. 

When  near 
He  halted  and  forthwith  an  envoy  sent 
His  coming  to  announce,  together  with 
The  laksimana  mantri.  "  Mighty  King," 
They  said,  "  thy  royal  father  hath  arrived." 


74  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  King  his  heralds  ordered  then  to  call 

Lila  Mengindra.    With  a  smile  he  said 

To  him :  "  Assemble  in  the  square  the  folk 

And  army.    Straight  to  my  pavilion  let 

Them  come,  and  all  in  holiday  attire, 

For  I  my  father  am  to  meet  to-day." 

Lila  Mengindra  bowed  and  hied  him  forth 

To  execute  the  orders  of  the  King. 

The  King  within  his  palace  went,  and  sat 

Upon  a  jewelled  seat.    The  Queen  was  there. 

And  good  Lila  Mengindra  at  her  side. 

The  King  said  smilingly :  "  Light  of  my  eyes, 

Let  all  the  palace  decorated  be. 

Assemble  all  the  palace  folk  and  all 

The  younger  girls.    For  now  without  the  gates 

Our  parents  wait.    To-morrow  I  shall  go 

To  meet  them."    Then  Queen  Bidasari  cried, 

With  smiles :    "  My  brother  they  have  come  to  see. 

I  cannot  go  before  them  and  declare 

Myself  their  daughter."  But  the  young  prince  said : 

"  Oh,  speak  not  thus,  my  sister,  but  give  heed 

To  what  I  say  to  thee,  and  be  not  wroth. 

If  Fm  the  only  one  they  love,  alone 

111  go  with  them  away."    Then  to  the  King 

He  said :  "  With  my  dear  sister  I  but  jest. 

To  quiet  her  alarms."    He  bowed  before  the  King 

And  asked  permission  forth  to  go  at  once 

To  meet  his  father.    "  Nay,"  replied  the  King, 

"  We'll  go  together."    A  repast  was  served 

With  every  kind  of  food.    The  royal  three 

Together  ate.    Then  from  the  betel-box 

They  siri  took,  and  perfumes  sweet  they  used. 

The  prince  then  from  the  palace  forth  did  go. 

Next  day  the  King  invited  him  to  start 

With  him  upon  the  royal  progress.    All 

The  banners  waved,  and  everyone  was  glad. 

Then  to  the  Queen  he  said :    "  Stay  here,  my  love, 

And  I  will  hither  bring  thy  father  dear." 

These  words  rejoiced  the  Queen.    She  said :   ''  Go  forth. 

My  dear,  and  I  will  follow  with  my  eyes." 


BIDASARI  75 

The  King  then  took  his  leave  with  the  young  prince. 
With  many  mantris  following.    The  strains 
Of  gladsome  music  sounded.    All  the  bells 
Were  rung,  and  those  without  the  cavalcade 
Were  sad. 

Ere  long  they  came  to  the  frontier, 
And  King  met  King.    The  folk  of  Kembajat 
Were  all  astonished  at  the  young  King's  face. 
As  beautiful  as  painter's  masterpiece. 
The  old  King  looked  with  smiles  on  all.    His  joy 
Was  great.    The  King  of  Indrapura  bowed 
Respectfully,  and  made  them  bring  to  him 
The  elephant  that  bore  'neath  gay  payong 
His  consort's  father.    "  Son,  where  goest  thou  ?  " 
"  I've  come  to  seek  thee."    Then  the  old  King  said : 
"  Why  didst  thou  come  in  person  ?    'Twould  have  been 
Enough  if  thou  hadst  mantris  sent  instead." 
His  joy  o'erflowed  his  heart.    His  son-in-law 
He  greatly  loved.    Upon  his  elephant 
He  said :    "  Approach,  my  son,  thou  art  a  king 
Renowned.    Thy  body  and  thy  soul  are  both 
Alike,  and  both  of  royal  stock !  "    He  pressed 
Him  in  his  arms  and  said :    "  Light  of  ray  eyes. 
Almighty  God  hath  heard  my  many  prayers, 
And  granted  me  a  perfect  son-in-law." 
The  King  of  Indrapura  bowed  and  smiled 
Most  graciously.    Then  to  the  young  prince  said 
His  father :    "  Mount,  my  son,  beside  me,  here." 
The  young  prince  mounted  at  his  father's  side. 
He  was  as  beautiful  as  chiselled  gold. 

Within  the  town  the  kings  made  entry  then 

Amid  a  joyous  throng.    When  they  had  come. 

The  former  merchant  bowed  before  them  both. 

The  mangkouboumi  now.    The  mighty  King 

Of  Indrapura  bowed  and  said :    "  My  sire, 

Speak  to  my  uncle  here ;  for  he  brought  up 

Thy  daughter."    Scarcely  had  the  old  King  heard 

These  words  than  he  exclaimed  with  joy :    "  Come  here, 

My  brother,  let  us  now  acquaintance  make." 


76  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  old  King,  seated  on  his  elephant, 

Shed  all  about  him  rays  of  happiness. 

And  all  the  people  there  were  greatly  moved. 

"  This  is  my  brother  well  beloved,"  he  said. 

And  kissed  his  brow.    **  How  great  hath  been  his  love. 

His  faithfulness  has  proved  beyond  compare." 

The  former  merchant  bowed,  and  to  the  King 

Replied :  "  I  am  thy  slave,  O  King,  and  bear 

Thine  orders  on  my  head.    Thou  dost  o'erwhelm 

Thy  servant  with  thy  favor."    Then  upon 

The  royal  throne,  which  was  all  gem-bedecked, 

The  old  King  sat,  the  young  prince  at  his  side, 

With  all  the  mantris  near.    Then  came  the  Queen 

Consort.    The  prince  and  Bidasari  fair 

Came  from  their  seats,  their  mother  to  receive. 

All  entered  then  the  palace.    The  young  Queen, 

Fair  Bidasari,  bowed  and  was  embraced 

By  both  her  parents.    With  a  flood  of  tears 

Her  father  said :    "  Alas,  my  darling  child, 

Fruit  of  my  heart,  light  of  my  eyes,  keep  not 

A  hatred  in  thy  soul  against  us  now. 

The  will  of  God  is  now  made  manifest. 

We  long  have  separated  been.    At  last 

We  see  each  other  with  our  very  eyes. 

Great  wrong  we  did  thus  to  abandon  thee. 

But  still  let  not  thy  heart  a  stranger  be 

To  us.    Peace  later  came  to  our  dear  land — 

Such  was  our  destiny.    What  could  we  do  ? 

We  were  in  flight.    We  thought, '  May  God  decree 

Some  honorable  man  shall  find  her  here ! ' 

How  can  we  now  be  glad  enough  'twas  thus 

Ordained !    What  recompense  can  we  present  ?  " 

Sweet  Bidasari  wept  as  she  recalled 

The  past.    The  King  her  husband  was  much  moved, 

And  felt  great  pity  when  her  tears  he  saw. 

And  all  were  sad  with  sorrow  mixed  with  joy, 

Because  they  knew  she  was  of  royal  birth. 

Food  now  was  served,  and  quickly  the  dyangs 

Brought  salvers  for  the  princes.    The  two  kings 

Ate  of  the  rice  till  they  were  surfeited. 


BIDASARI 

Then  to  their  children  offered  it.    All  took 

The  siri  placed  before  them,  and  straightway 

Themselves  anointed  with  rare  perfumes  sweet. 

When  all  had  eaten,  the  five  royal  ones 

Lila  Mengindra  called,  and  gave  to  him 

The  remnants  of  the  feast.    The  kings  then  spoke 

To  him  and  to  his  wife.    They  both  bowed  low 

And  kissed  the  royal  hands.    Then  said  the  King 

Of  Kembajat :  "  My  children,  I  had  planned — 

In  case  we  ever  met  on  earth  and  ere 

The  prey  of  death  became — a  feast  to  give, 

To  last  a  month,  and  to  it  ye  invite. 

In  triumph  I  my  daughter  fain  would  bear. 

With  all  of  ye.    I  would  at  once  repair 

Unto  the  isle  of  Nousa  Antara, 

And  there  I'd  hold  a  royal  festival 

With  all  the  members  of  our  family, 

And  all  the  bitis,  mandars,  and  dyangs. 

Such  was  my  plan — if  ever  I  should  find 

My  daughter  dear.    Now  while  this  moon  doth  last 

Let  me  the  project  see  fulfilled  before 

Your  parents  come  to  die." 

The  gracious  King 
Of  Indrapura  at  these  words  bowed  low 
And  said :  "  I  bear  thy  words  upon  my  head. 
It  shall  be  done  as  thou  hast  wished,  my  King." 
And  when  the  evening  came  all  was  prepared. 
Soft  mattresses  were  spread,  and  the  two  queens 
Betook  them  to  their  chambers,  and  the  rich 
Egyptian  curtains  fell.    They  vainly  sought  to  sleep. 
They  talked  together  of  their  sorrows  past 
And  evil  days.    And  neither  kings  nor  queens 
That  night  could  slumber. 

At  the  break  of  day 
The  talking  bird  began  to  sing  and  prate. 
A  little  later  the  bajangs  began 
Their  song.    Then  all  arose,  and  bathed,  and  broke 
Their  fast,  and  chattered  and  amused  themselves. 
The  King  of  Indrapura  then  gave  word 
Unto  the  mangkouboumi:  "  All  prepare 


78  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

That's  necessary,  ere  the  moon  be  full. 
Get  ready  all  the  various  kinds  of  ships, 
And  load  them  down  with  every  sort  of  arms^ 
Prepare  all  sorts  of  games  to  pass  the  time, 
And  get  in  order  all  the  cannons  great 
And  fire-arms.    Thus  the  King  commands/' 

Straightway 
The  mangkouboumi  bowed  before  the  King, 
And  went  his  orders  to  obey.    He  made 
The  ships  all  ready,  with  new  paint  and  gold. 
When  three  were  well  equipped,  on  board  he  took 
The  people  of  the  city.    All  the  old 
Were  left  behind,  but  of  the  young  none  stayed. 
Then  to  the  King  the  mangkouboumi  said, 
"  All  is  prepared."    At  this  the  King  rejoiced, 
And  to  the  King  of  Kembajat  sent  word, 
Who  told  his  wife,  and  she  was  all  aglow. 
They  started  from  the  palace,  kings  and  queen 
And  prince,  and  lovely  Bidasari,  too. 
Attended  by  the  courtiers  all.    The  strains 
Of  music  sounded  and  the  bells  were  rung. 
All  those  whose  lot  it  was  to  stay  at  home 
Were  pained,  as  if  a  knife  had  stricken  them. 
The  cannons  roared ;  the  royal  banners  waved. 

In  three  days'  sail  they  reached  the  island  fair, 
Of  Nousa  Antara,  and  the  ships  made  fast. 
The  two  queens  sat  and  watched  the  deft  dyangs 
Take  up  the  coral  white  and  pink,  and  toyed 
With  pretty  shells.    The  King  set  foot  upon 
The  isle  of  Nousa  Antara.    The  King 
And  his  dear  wife  upon  the  shore  came  forth. 
With  their  sweet  daughter  Bidasari  pure. 
The  King  of  Indrapura  with  them  went, 
The  prince  walked  near  them  on  the  left. 

The  King 
Of  Indrapura  ordered  that  a  tent 
Be  raised,  and  one  was  made.    It  was  as  large 
As  any  palace,  set  with  royal  throne. 
The  two  queens  entered  it  and  sought  repose. 


BIDASARI  79 

The  prince  before  his  father  bowed  and  said, 

"  My  royal  father,  let  me  go  and  hunt." 

To  this  the  King  of  Kembajat  replied, 

"  Do  what  thou  dost  desire,  light  of  my  eyes." 

The  King  of  Indrapura  said  with  smiles, 

"  I'll  go  with  thee  to  hunt,  my  brother  dear." 

The  prince  replied,  "  I  shall  in  truth  be  charmed, 

My  brother."    "  Forth  we'll  fare  to-morrow  mom," 

Returned  the  King  of  Indrapura.    "  Call 

The  folk  together." 

When  the  dawn  appeared, 
The  King  and  prince  together  started  forth, 
Escorted  by  a  band  of  hunters  tried. 
And  beat  the  woods  for  game.    The  King  and  prince 
And  all  their  following  made  rapid  work. 
The  game  took  flight.    The  King  then  drew  his  bow 
And  many  animals  were  killed.    A  deer 
Came  running  by.    His  arrow  struck  him  full 
Upon  the  shoulder,  and  the  huntsmen  seized 
And  quickly  killed  him.    In  the  pathless  woods 
Of  Nousa  Antara  there  was  much  game. 
A  tiger  roared,  the  King  and  prince  pursued. 
The  tiger  swiftly  fled.    The  prince  sat  down 
Within  the  forest  deep.    To  overtake 
The  beast  he  was  unable.    To  return 
He  sought,  but  could  not  find  the  way.    Alone 
He  was,  and  in  perplexity,  because 
His  huntsmen  he  no  longer  could  descry. 
Then,  wandering  to  and  fro,  he  found  at  last 
A  pleasure  garden  of  the  days  gone  by. 
Belonging  to  King  Lila,  beautiful 
And  without  flaw.    He  was  astonished  quite 
When  he  perceived  a  palace.    All  alone 
He  found  himself,  when  he  had  entered  there. 
He  walked  about,  but  found  no  living  soul. 
Unto  himself  he  said :    ''  Can  this  domain 
A  habitation  be  of  demons  dread 
And  spirits  ?    Can  this  be  the  cause  of  all 
The  solitude  which  reigns  ? "    On  all  sides  then 
He  looked.    All  suddenly  a  voice  he  heard, 


8o  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

But  still  no  one  could  see.    Amazed  he  stood. 

The  mystic  voice  exclaimed,  "  Have  pity,  lord, 

And  free  me  from  this  room."    As  in  a  dream 

The  prince  these  accents  heard.    He  answered  then : 

"  Who  art  thou  ?    Whose  strange  voice  is  this  I  hear, 

The  while  I  no  one  see?    Dost  thou  belong 

Unto  the  race  of  demons  and  of  spectres  ? 

Where  is  the  key,  that  I  may  ope  the  door  ?  " 

Then  the  dyang  of  Mendoudari  said 

Unto  the  prince :    "  Look  toward  the  left,  for  there 

The  key  thou'lt  find  that  opes  the  palace  tower." 

He  took  the  key  and  opened  wide  the  door. 

All  those  who  were  within,  when  they  beheld 

The  prince's  face,  fell  prostrate  at  his  feet. 

To  them  the  prince  cried  out :    "  Say  to  what  race 

Ye  do  belong.    This  quickly  tell.    And  whose 

This  palace  beautiful  ?  "    Then  answered  him 

Dang  Tjindra  Melini:  "  O  Royal  prince. 

We  are  God's  creatures,  like  to  thee.    And  this 

Fair  palace  of  the  King  Lila  is  now 

By  Ifrid  occupied,  a  spirit-king. 

With  whom  now  lives  the  prince  illustrious, 

Lila.    His  daughter.  Princess  Mendoudari, 

Is  shut  alone  within  a  chamber  here, 

And  Ifrid,  king  of  spirits,  cometh  oft. 

On  every  third  day  cometh  he.    His  eyes 

Are  brilliant  as  the  sun."    When  this  He  heard 

The  prince  was  glad.    The  room  he  entered  then. 

The  Princess  Mendoudari  sought  to  flee. 

"  Where  wouldst  thou  go,  my  friend,"  he  said.  "  Fve  sought 

And  found  thee.    Do  not  flee  away  from  me." 

The  Princess  Mendoudari  said  with  tears : 

"  And  art  thou  mad  enough  hither  to  come  ? 

The  spirits  will  destroy  thee  without  doubt." 

These  words  rejoiced  the  prince,  and  to  her  then 

He  sang  a  low  sweet  song  of  love  and  wooing. 

The  princess  answered  with  a  dreamy  chant. 

And  when  the  young  prince  heard  her  gentle  lay 

He  felt  a  yearning  pity  for  her  fate. 

"  Be  not  afraid,  my  dear,"  he  said,  "  for  1 


BIDASARI  8i 

Will  triumph  over  all  thine  enemies." 

Then  Dang  Sendari  served  them  dainty  food  ; 

And  what  was  left,  to  her  the  princess  gave. 

The  prince  too  siri  from  the  betel-box 

And  rare  sweet  perfumes  used.    When  evening  came, 

A  soft  couch  for  the  prince  was  spread.    And  then 

The  princess  sought  her  room,  and  curtains  drew 

Of  rich  Egyptian  stuff.    The  prince  had  asked, 

"  When  comes  the  spirit-king  ?  "    And  she  had  said, 

"  At  early  dawn."    The  young  prince  could  not  sleep, 

But  through  the  long  night  hours  sang  soft  pantoums. 

When  daylight  came  the  prince  arose.    He  heard 

A  spirit  coming  to  the  palace.    Then  with  fear 

Was  seized  the  princess  fair.     "  Behold,"  she  cried, 

"  He  cometh."    Then  the  young  prince  took  his  arms. 

"  Fear  not,"  he  said ;  "  have  confidence  in  God. 

What  he  decrees  must  always  come  to  pass. 

If  Fm  destroyed,  then  follow  me  in  death. 

I  only  ask  one  thing  of  thee,  my  love. 

When  I  am  dead,  I  pray  thee  weep  for  me. 

And  let  thy  mantle  be  my  winding-sheet. 

Now  let  thy  glances  follow  as  I  go." 

I'll  tell  of  Ifrid  now — the  spirit-king. 
He  lurked  beneath  the  palace.    When  he  heard 
The  princess  talking  with  the  prince  his  ire 
Arose  like  burning  flame.    His  cry  was  like 
A  thunder-burst.     The  very  palace  shook. 
"  Depart  from  here,"  unto  the  prince  he  roared, 
"  And  feel  my  mighty  power."     Then  sweet  love-songs 
Exchanging  with  the  princess  went  he  forth. 
His  mien  was  like  Sang  Samba's,  and  his  face 
Was  nobly  firm,  as  if  he  went  to  meet 
A  roaring  tiger.    At  his  side  he  wore 
A  rare  carbuncled  sword,  and  arrows  bore 
With  points  in  deadly  poison  dipped.    Ifrid, 
The  creature  with  two  heads,  like  spectre  came 
With  laughter  horrid.    He  took  up  a  stone 
And  hurled  it  at  the  prince,  who  dodged  its  flight. 
Then  full  of  wrath  Ifrid  upon  him  rushed. 
6 


82  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

But  swift  the  prince  let  fly  an  arrow  sharp, 
And  pierced  his  heart.    One  groan,  and  then  he  fell, 
And  died  beside  the  river.    Then  the  prince 
Made  haste  to  join  the  princess. 

When  she  saw 
The  spirit  Ifrid  dead  she  much  rejoiced 
And  bowed  before  the  prince.    Great  gladness  shone 
In  her  fair  face,  because  her  woe  had  ceased, 
And  she  was  happy  that  'twas  to  the  prince 
She  owed  her  rescue.    'Twas  as  if  she'd  found 
A  mountain  great  of  jewels.    Then  she  said : 
"  Caliph  a  high  divinity  once  was 
And  called  himself  King  Lila.    God  will  bless 
Thee  for  thy  deeds,  O  mighty  prince." 

The  prince 
With  kisses  said :   "  Thou  hast  a  charming  mouth. 
Thy  form  is  supple.    Prithee  tell  me  why 
I  should  not  love  thee  ?    Thou  art  beautiful 
As  a  statue  of  pure  gold,  and  thou  shalt  be 
A  princess  in  my  palace.    Well  I  know 
Thine  origin  is  noble,  and  thy  race 
Is  high."    They  gayly  chatted  while  some  food 
Was  served.    The  prince,  with  pleasure,  at  the  side 
Of  the  fair  princess  ate.    When  all  was  done 
He  took  some  siri  from  the  betel-box 
And  perfumes  used.    "  Thou  art  a  jasmine  sweet," 
He  said,  "  an  antidote  to  every  ill. 
And  thou  shalt  be  my  wife." 

Next  day  the  prince 
Took  her  behind  him  on  his  horse,  and  they 
Departed.    The  dyangs  accompanied  them. 

Now  will  I  tell  about  the  mantris  all. 

Until  the  fall  of  evening,  with  the  King 

Of  Indrapura,  they  in  waiting  stayed, 

To  welcome  back  the  prince.    And  much  disturbed 

They  were  that  he  delayed  so  long  to  come. 

The  King  then  bade  them  seek  the  prince,  and  see 

Why  he  remained  so  long  apart  from  them. 

Then  mantris  four  set  out,  and  hunted  far 


BIDASARI  83 

And  wide,  but  found  him  not.    They  brought  the  news 
That  he  could  not  be  found.    The  King  was  sad 
And  ordered  them  to  go  and  tell  the  King, 
His  wife's  dear  father,  that  the  prince  was  lost. 
The  old  King  fainted  when  he  heard  the  tale. 
With  oil  of  rose  they  sprinkled  him,  and  back 
Unto  his  senses  came  he.    "  O  my  child," 
He  said,  "  my  heart  hath  lost  all  hope.    Where  now 
Art  thou  ?    I'll  go,  myself,  to  seek." 

The  King 
Wept  much,  and  his  dear  wife.    And  as  for  her — 
Sweet  Bidasari — she  appeared  to  wish 
To  kill  herself,  for  never  on  the  earth 
Did  brother  love  his  sister  like  the  prince 
And  Bidasari.    At  the  fall  of  day 
Back  came  the  King  of  Indrapura,  sad 
And  weeping.    Then  the  King  of  Kembajat 
Said :  "  O  my  son,  be  silent.    Do  not  weep. 
For  thou  dost  but  increase  the  pain  I  feel." 
But  Indrapura's  King  replied :  "  Alas  ! 
He  was  my  brother  true,  so  brave  and  good !  " 
But  while  they  were  lamenting  thus  the  prince 
Stood  there  before  them  with  his  consort  fair. 
He  bowed  to  all.    The  King,  his  father,  saw 
And  could  not  speak.    He  thought,  "  It  is  the  voice 
Of  my  dear  son."    Then  recognition  came 
And  he  was  wild  with  joy.    The  prince  then  told 
How  he  had  chased  the  tiger,  and  had  lost 
His  way  within  a  wood :  how  he  had  killed 
A  spirit  there,  If  rid,  the  dread. 

The  King 
Heard  all  he  said  and  much  rejoiced.    Then  came 
The  servants  serving  tasteful  food  to  all. 
The  King  ate  with  his  wife  and  children  dear. 
Together  they  were  six.    All  sorts  of  rare 
And  dainty  food  were  served  them,  and  the  King 
Took  siri  from  the  betel-box,  and  used 
Sweet  perfumes.    The  great  King  of  Kembajat 
Then  gave  a  festival  which  lasted  quite 
Seven  days,  with  music  and  diversions  gay. 


84  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Glad  joy  was  at  its  height,  of  pleasure  born 

And  of  the  dance.    The  kings  amused  themselves. 

All  kinds  of  games  they  had.    Intji  Bibi, 

A  singer  of  Malacca,  sang  with  grace. 

The  seven  days  passed,  the  Princess  Mendoudari 

Was  all  in  finery  arrayed.    The  wives 

Of  the  two  kings  took  her  in  hand.    The  prince 

Was  by  the  mangkouboumi  ta'en  in  charge. 

The  princess  sweetest  perfumes  did  exhale. 

Her  manners  were  most  gracious  and  polite 

As  of  a  well-born  person.    Every  sort 

Of  gem  and  jewel  sparkled  from  her  robes. 

She  wore  a  ring — 'twas  astokouna  called — 

And  yet  another  one,  glangkano  named. 

And  still  another,  with  bright  stones  all  carved 

In  fashion  of  Ceylon.     Her  tresses  curled 

Like  to  a  full-blown  flower,  and  on  them  shone     ^ 

Full  many  precious  stones.    The  tourie  buds 

Became  her  well.    Her  features  were  as  bright 

As  those  of  some  celestial  being  pure. 

Fair  Mendoudari  thus  was  clad,  and  led 

To  the  bride's  seat,  and  at  her  either  hand 

Stood  mantris'  daughters  seven  with  waving  fans. 

Meanwhile  the  mangkouboumi  patiently 

Achieved  the  tiring  of  the  prince.    He  wore 

A  royal  crown,  made  in  the  island  fair 

Called  Nousa  Antara,  and  a  rich  coat 

Which  opened  at  the  sides,  made  in  the  West. 

A  chiselled  necklace  hung  about  his  neck. 

His  tunic  flamed  with  orange,  like  the  robe 

Of  great  Schahid  Schah  Pri.    His  girdle  bright 

Was  cloth  of  tjindi,  fringed  with  agates  rare. 

An  amulet  he  wore  with  diamond  pure. 

With  sacred  words  engraved  of  the  Koran. 

He  wore  a  jewel  like  a  butterfly. 

Most  beautiful,  and  many  rings  and  gems. 

His  features  of  the  rarest  beauty  were, 

Like  those  of  some  divinity  of  heaven. 

When  thus  arrayed,  the  youthful  prince  came  forth 

And  made  obeisance  to  his  parents  both. 


BIDASARI  8s 

He  went  to  the  appointed  place,  and  all 

The  children  of  the  court  assembled  there 

Before  him,  while  two  sons  of  heralds  stood 

Beside  him,  waving  fans  Hke  floating  clouds. 

All  kept  the  strictest  silence.    Then  a  band 

Of  soldiers  came,  with  blades  all  glittering. 

The  royal  sword,  all  diamond  decked,  flashed  rays 

Of  light.    Three  times  around  the  island  went 

They  all,  with  sound  of  music  and  the  noise 

Of  bells.    And  all  who  heard  in  vain  essayed 

To  estimate  the  number.    Everyone 

Ran  forth  to  see  the  progress — men  and  women. 

Some  tore  their  garments,  some  their  children  lost. 

Distracted  by  the  pleasure  and  the  noise. 

When  ended  the  procession,  the  young  prince 

At  Princess  Mendoudari's  right  was  placed. 

Within  the  palace.    Then  to  them  \^s  brought 

Rice  called  adapadap,  and  they  became 

A  wedded  pair.    And  all  the  folk  dispersed. 

In  three  days'  time  was  Mendoudari  dressed 

Anew  by  Bidasari.    She  was  robed 

With  vesture  of  embroidered  silk.    The  prince 

Was  Hkewise  gayly  clad,  to  suit  the  glad 

Occasion.    Now  again  they  made,  in  state; 

A  royal  progress  round  about  the  isle. 

The  King  and  Bidasari  rode  in  one 

Grand  chariot,  and,  within  another,  went 

The  prince  and  Mendoudari,  his  fair  bride. 

Then  back  they  came  for  rest,  upon  the  soft 

Rich  palace  cushions.    Then  the  mighty  King 

Of  Kembajat  inquired  of  his  dear  wife : 

"  What  think'st  thou,  love  ?    Shall  we  to-morrow  morn 

Return  ?  "    With  smiles  the  Queen  replied,  "  I  bear 

Thine  orders  on  my  head."    Next  day  the  hearts 

Of  all  the  royal  company  were  filled 

With  joy.    The  officers  assembled  then 

To  take  the  King's  commands,  and  he  was  pleased 

To  see  them  dutiful.    The  following  morn 

The  song  of  the  bajans  awaked  the  King. 

At  early  dawn  each  princess  with  her  lord. 


86  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

And  all  the  officers,  embarked  upon 

The  ship.    They  sailed  far  from  the  island  fair, 

Nousa  Antara,  and  in  three  days  came 

To  Indrapura  and  the  river's  mouth. 

When  at  the  palace  they  arrived  again, 

The  mantris  came  in  joy  and  kissed  their  hands. 

The  King  of  Kembajat  said  that  he  wished 

To  go.    Scarce  had  fair  Indrapura's  King 

Heard  that  his  parents  to  their  home  desired 

At  once  to  go,  when  he  the  mantris  called 

And  orders  gave.    The  King  of  Kembajat 

Set  out  with  his  dear  wife  next  day  at  dawn. 

Within  the  palace  of  their  daughter  sweet 

They  met  fair  Indrapura's  King.    The  King 

Of  Kembajat  sat  at  his  side,  and  said 

In  softest  tones :  "  Well,  Bidasari,  child. 

Thy  parents  now  will  homeward  fare.    Obey 

The  King,  thy  gracious  husband,  in  all  things. 

The  former  merchant  brought  thee  up.    He  will 

A  father  be  to  thee.    Strive  hard  to  win 

Thy  husband's  heart,  and  never  disregard 

His  wishes."    Scarcely  had  she  heard  these  words 

Than  at  her  father's  knees  she  fell,  and  shed 

A  flood  of  tears.    The  King  embraced  his  child 

And,  weeping,  said :   "  My  daughter  dear,  pure  gold. 

My  crown's  chief  gem,  light  of  my  very  eyes. 

Branch  of  my  heart,  be  not  disturbed,  my  soul, 

Nor  let  thy  heart  be  sad."    The  royal  four 

All  wept  together.    Then  the  father  said: 

"  My  son,  accomplished  prince,  we  trust  to  thee 

Our  Bidasari.    Show  her  the  right  path 

If  she  aside  should  step,  for  hither  she 

As  prisoner  came.    Correction  should  she  need, 

For  us  it  will  not  be  a  shame."    At  this 

Fair  Indrapura's  King  was  greatly  moved. 

He  bowed  and  said :   "  My  father,  speak  not  thus. 

I  have  the  best  opinion  of  the  girl. 

Our  hearts  are  one,  as  body  with  the  soul. 

This  kingdom  all  is  hers,  the  guardian  I 

Of  her  possessions,  and  I'll  satisfy 


BIDASARI  87 

Her  every  wish."    The  King  with  joy  replied: 

"  Well,  daughter,  jewel  of  my  crown,  thou  art 

No  more  beneath  my  sway,  but  wholly  now 

Under  the  orders  of  thy  husband  dear." 

He  much  was  moved,  and  to  the  mangkouboumi 

Said,  "  Brother,  take  my  treasures  all,  for  we 

Can  never  all  thy  goodness  recompense." 

The  former  merchant  and  his  wife  bowed  low: 

"  Your  gratitude,  O  prince,  is  great,  but  all 

Thy  treasures  are  thy  royal  daughter's  meed. 

For  her  we'll  guard  them."    But  the  King  repHed: 

"  Nay,  speak  not  thus,  my  brother.    Should  I  give 

All  Indrapura's  weight  in  purest  gold 

It  would  not  pay  thee  for  thy  care  and  love. 

We  are  to  thee  devoted  from  our  hearts." 

At  dawn  they  breakfasted,  but  all  were  sad. 

Because  from  Bidasari  now  must  part 

Her  parents  dear  and  brother.    Much  she  wept 

Because  she  felt  her  heart  go  out  to  him 

Her  brother.    Then  she  said :  *'  Fve  one  to  take 

The  place  of  parents,  but  where  shall  I  find 

A  brother?"    Princess  Mendoudari  bowed 

To  Bidasari,  and  they  kissed  with  tears. 

Fair  Bidasari  said :  "  My  sister  dear, 

Sweet  Mendoudari,  when  wilt  thou  return? 

Stay  not  too  long  at  Kembajat,  for  I 

Could  not  thine  absence  bear.    Farewell,  my  love." 

The  King  embraced  his  daughter.    Bitterly 

Both  wept.    The  royal  father  said,  "  Stay  here. 

My  son-in-law,  with  thy  dear  wife."    The  King 

Before  his  parents  bowed.    The  youthful  prince 

Before  the  King  his  brother  bowed,  and  went 

To  Bidasari's  side,  his  sister  dear, 

With  heavy  heart.    Then,  weeping  much,  he  said : 

*'  O  sister  mine,  gem  of  my  crown,  be  not 

So  sorrowful.    I  go,  but  if  thou  dost 

Desire,  I'll  come  each  year  to  visit  thee." 

Sweet  Bidasari  kissed  him.    But  her  grief 

Was  inexpressible.    "  O  brother  dear, 

Illustrious  prince,"  she  said,  ^'  thine  absence  would 


88  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

E'en  then  be  much  too  long."    The  prince  replied, 
With  bows :  "  Assuage  thy  grief,  my  sister  dear. 
For  if  the  King  permits,  perhaps  I  may 
Come  sooner  back  to  thee." 

The  mighty  King 
Of  Indrapura  said,  in  friendly  tones: 
'*  Although  he  be  thy  brother,  still,  my  dear, 
I  love  him  much.    We  ne'er  have  had  the  least 
Misunderstanding.    Why  art  thou  not  gay  ? 
And  why  art  thou  not  willing  he  should  go? 
If  'twere  not  for  thy  father  I  would  keep 
Him  here." 

The  King  departed,  followed  by 
His  son,  who  took  his  father  just  beyond 
The  gates.    The  mangkouboumi  bowed  his  head 
Before  the  King,  who  with  much  ardor  said, 
"  O  father  of  dear  Bidasari,  give 
Aid  and  protection  to  thy  lovely  child." 
The  mangkouboumi  bowed  again,  and  said : 
"  Whate'er  is  fit,  I'll  do.    Upon  my  head 
I  bear  thine  orders.    I  thy  servant  am." 
The  prince  embraced  the  former  merchant  too, 
And  said,  "  O  uncle  dear,  my  sister  guide. 
And  counsel  her  if  any  fault  she  doth." 
Then  said  the  King  of  Kembajat,  "  My  son. 
Come,  let  us  start  at  once." 

So  forth  he  fared. 
The  prince  and  all  the  escort  with  him  went. 
A  few  days  passed  and  they  were  home  again. 
New  garments  to  the  escort  all  were  given, 
And  many  presents  to  the  officers. 
'    By  mantris  four  the  King  rich  treasures  sent 
Unto  his  children  loved,  with  many  steeds 
And  elephants.    When  safely  they  arrived 
At  Indrapura,  they  appeared  before 
The  mangkouboumi.    He  presented  th^m 
Unto  the  King,  and  said :  "  O  sire,  thS^egifts 
Are  from  thy  son."    The  King  replied :  "  Why  dost 
Thou  bring  them  here,  my  uncle  ?    Keep  them  all 
In  thine  own  treasury."    Then  he  retired 


BIDASARI  89 

Within  and  said  to  Bidasari  sweet : 
"  Thy  father,  dear,  hath  sent  us  presents  rare, 
And  four  young  inantris,  and  a  thousand  men 
With  elephants  and  horses.    All  is  thine." 
The  fair  young  Queen  with  smiles  to  him  replied : 
"  All  that  with  me  to  share  thou  dost  desire. 
Whatever  be  thy  wish,  I  wish  it  too." 
The  King  adored  his  wife,  and  was  to  her 
Devoted.    His  great  happiness  increased 
And  his  domains  extended  every  year.   . 
When  Bidasari's  royal  birth  was  known, 
The  news  spread  far  and  wide,  and  everywhere 
Was  told.    The  realm  of  Indrapura  grew 
More  populous  and  powerful  year  by  year. 

The  wicked  Princess  Lila  Sari  lived 
Alone  and  desolate,  in  sadness  deep 
And  full  repentance  for  her  evil  deeds. 

This  song  is  weak  because  my  skill  is  small.         ^ 

My  heart  was  deeply  stirred.    And  that  is  why 

I  made,  poor  fakir  I,  this  poem  here. 

I  have  not  made  it  long,  because  too  sad 

I  was,  and  troubled.    Now  at  last  'tis  done. 

For  this,  at  least,  your  blessings  I  deserve. 


THE  END. 


SEDJARET    MALAYOU 

Legends  of  the  Malay  Archipelago 

[Translated  by  M,  Devic  and  Chauncey  C.  Starkweather  ] 


SEDJARET   MALAYOU 

ONCE  upon  a  time  lived  King  Iskender,  son  of  King 
Darab.  He  traced  his  origin  to  Roum;  Macedonia 
was  his  native  country,  and  Dhoul-Garnein  his  sur- 
name. Now  it  happened  that  this  prince  set  out  upon  his 
travels  to  find  the  place  where  the  sun  rose ;  and  he  arrived  at 
the  frontier  of  India.  There  reigned  in  this  country  a  very 
powerful  king,  to  whom  half  of  India  was  in  subjection;  and 
his  name  was  King  Kida  Hindi.  As  soon  as  King  Kida  Hindi 
heard  of  King  Iskender's  approach,  he  gave  orders  to  his 
prime  minister,  who  gathered  together  the  armies  and  princes 
who  were  subject  to  him.  When  all  were  met  together,  he 
marched  forth  to  meet  King  Iskender.  The  two  armies  en- 
gaged and  the  conflict  was  carried  on  with  extreme  activity 
on  both  sides,  as  is  related  in  the  history  of  King  Iskender. 
Kida  Hindi  was  defeated  and  taken  alive.  Iskender  ordered 
him  to  embrace  the  true  faith,  and  Kida  Hindi  embraced  the 
faith  and  became  enrolled  in  the  religion  of  the  prophet  Abra- 
ham, the  friend  of  God,  to  whom  be  the  glory!  Then  King 
Iskender  caused  him  to  be  clothed  in  a  garment  like  his  own, 
and  bade  him  return  to  his  own  country. 

King  Kida  Hindi  was  the  father  of  a  very  beautiful  girl, 
whose  equal  was  not  to  be  found  in  her  day.  Her  face  had  the 
dazzling  lustre  of  the  sun  or  the  moon ;  she  was  modest  and  dis- 
creet. Her  name  was  Chehr-el-Beria.  King  Kida  Hindi  took 
his  prime  minister  aside  and  said  to  him : 

"  I  have  summoned  you  to  ask  your  advice  on  the  subject 
of  my  daughter,  whose  equal  in  these  days  cannot  be  found. 
I  have  formed  the  project  of  presenting  her  to  King  Iskender." 

The  minister  answered :  "  Your  Majesty  has  made  a  wise 
decision." 

"  Very  well,"  replied  the  King,  "  to-morrow,  God  willing, 
you  shall  go  and  find  the  prophet  Khidar  and  relate  to  him  the 
whole  matter." 

9i 


94  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

Next  day  accordingly  the  minister  set  out  to  find  the  prophet 
Khidar.  After  his  departure  King  Kida  Hindi  commanded 
that  the  name  of  King  Iskender  should  be  inscribed  on  the  coins 
and  standards  of  his  realm.  When  the  minister  approached 
the  prophet  Khidar  he  made  a  salaam  to  him,  which  the  prophet 
returned  and  asked  him  to  be  seated.  Then  the  minister  spoke 
as  follows: 

"  You  must  know,  O  prophet  of  God,  that  my  King  enter- 
tains for  King  Iskender  an  affection  so  fervent  that  I  cannot 
describe  it.  He  is  the  father  of  a  girl  who  has  no  equal  among 
the  children  of  this  world's  monarchs  from  the  rising  to  the  set- 
ting sun.  She  is  without  a  rival  in  face,  wit,  and  good- 
ness of  disposition.  Now  the  desire  of  the  King  is  to  present 
the  princess  before  King  Iskender,  with  the  view  of  ultimately 
giving  her  to  him  for  his  wife." 

Now  the  soldiers  of  King  Souran  laid  siege  against  the 
walled  town  of  Gangga-Chah  Djouhan ;  but  those  on  guard  re- 
pulsed them,  so  that  they  could  not  get  near.  Seeing  this, 
King  Souran  advanced,  mounted  on  an  untamed  elephant. 
Taking  no  heed  to  the  arrows  that  were  launched  against  him 
by  the  defenders  of  the  wall,  he  reached  the  gate  and  struck 
it  with  his  mace.  The  gate  gave  way  and  King  Souran  entered, 
followed  by  his  warriors. 

When  King  Gangga-Chah  Djouhan  saw  King  Souran  ap- 
proaching, he  seized  his  bow  and  shot  an  arrow  with  haste. 
The  arrow  struck  the  forehead  of  King  Souran's  elephant.  The 
elephant  fell  on  his  knees.  King  Souran  quickly  leaped  to  the 
ground,  drawing  his  sword  as  he  did  so;  at  a  single  stroke  he 
struck  through  the  neck  of  King  Gangga-Chah,  and  the  severed 
head  rolled  to  the  ground.  The  forces  of  Gangga-Nagara,  as 
soon  as  they  saw  their  prince  fall,  demanded  the  aman  (i.e.t 
truce). 

King  Gangga-Chah  Djouhan  had  a  sister,  named  Princess 
Zaras  Gangga.  She  was  exceedingly  beautiful.  The  victori- 
ous prince  took  her  for  his  wife.     Then  he  resumed  his  march. 

Some  time  afterward  he  reached  the  city  of  Ganggayon.  It 
was  formerly  a  great  city,  the  black  stones  of  whose  fortress 
survive  even  to  this  day.  This  fortress  is  at  the  extremity  of 
the  river  Djoher.  The  name  Ganggayon  in  the  Siamese  tongue 
means  "treasury  of  emeralds."    The  King  of  the  city  was 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  95 

Rajah  Tchoulin;  he  was  a  powerful  prince,  to  whom  all  the 
kings  of  the  land  did  obeisance. 

On  the  news  of  King  Souran's  approach,  King  Tchoulin 
called  together  all  his  troops  and  sent  word  to  the  kings  who 
were  his  tributaries.  When  all  were  assembled  he  set  out  to 
repel  the  invaders.  The  multitude  of  his  soldiers  was  like  the 
waves  of  the  sea;  his  elephants  and  horses  stood  up  among  them 
like  islands;  his  flags  and  standards  presented  the  appearance 
of  a  forest,  and  the  cows'  tails  fluttering  at  the  pike-heads  pre- 
sented the  appearance  of  lalang  ploughers. 

The  army  came  in  four  bodies  and  reached  the  banks  of  a 
river.  There  they  saw  the  soldiers  of  King  Souran,  ranged 
like  forest-trees.  The  Siamese  exclaimed,  "  Pangkal,"  a  word 
which  means  "  river,"  and  hence  that  river  became  known  as 
the  river  Pangkal. 

The  soldiers  of  Siam  at  once  joined  battle  with  the  soldiers 
of  KHng,  who  were  Hindoos;  and  the  battle  raged  with  inde- 
scribable confusion.  The  soldiers  mounted  on  elephants  pressed 
forward  these  great  beasts;  the  men  on  horseback  made  their 
horses  champ  with  fury;  the  lancers  pressed  home  their  lances; 
those  who  carried  pikes  plied  them  furiously;  and  those  who 
bore  sabres  dealt  many  a  doughty  stroke.  Blood  flowed  Hke 
rain.  The  crash  of  thunder  would  have  been  drowned  by  the 
shouts  of  the  warriors  and  the  clash  of  arms.  The  dust  that 
rose  from  the  plain  obscured  the  brightness  of  the  day  like  an 
eclipse  of  the  sun.  So  complete  was  the  confusion  with  which 
the  contestants  mingled  that  it  was  not  possible  to  distinguish 
the  combatants  of  either  side:  each  assailant  was  at  the  same 
time  the  assailed,  and  he  who  struck  with  his  weapon  himself 
at  the  same  moment  was  stricken  with  a  blow.  Sometimes  the 
soldiers  attacked  a  comrade  by  mistake.  Every  moment 
crowds  of  people  on  either  side  were  killed  and  wounded,  many 
horses  and  elephants  had  their  throats  cut,  and  the  blood  shed 
covered  the  ground.  The  dust  had  disappeared;  the  comba- 
tants were  seen  struggling  in  masses  so  compact  that  neither 
party  was  able  to  retire  from  the  battle. 

King  Tchoulin  managed  to  force  a  way  by  means  of  the  ele- 
phant he  rode  through  the  innumerable  horde  of  King  Souran's 
soldiers;  the  corpses  were  piled  up  beneath  his  feet.  A  crowd 
of  Hindoo  warriors  lost  their  lives.     The  rest  of  them  began 


96  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

to  give  way.  King  Souran,  on  perceiving  this,  dashed  forward 
to  meet  King  Tchoulin  in  single  combat.  He  mounted  an  un- 
tamed elephant  eight  cubits  high  that  had  no  driver.  But  the 
elephant  of  King  Tchoulin  was  also  very  brave.  The  two  ani- 
mals met ;  they  attacked  each  other ;  the  clash  of  their  encoun- 
ter was  like  the  thunder  that  rends  the  earth;  their  tusks 
clashing  and  intertwining  made  a  sound  like  that  of  a  storm 
that  never  ceases.     Neither  could  triumph  over  the  other. 

Then  King  Tchoulin  raised  himself  upon  the  beast  he  rode 
and  brandished  a  javelin.  He  hurled  it  against  King  Souran ; 
the  javelin  struck  the  elephant  on  his  flank  and  pierced  deep. 
At  the  same  time  King  Souran  shot  an  arrow  which  smote 
King  Tchoulin  in  the  breast  and  came  out  at  his  back.  That 
prince  fell  to  the  earth  and  expired.  The  soldiers  seeing  their 
king  dead,  broke  ranks  and  took  flight  in  utter  disorder,  pur- 
sued by  the  Hindoos,  who  put  to  the  sword  all  they  overtook. 
Penetrating  the  ramparts  of  Ganggayon  the  Hindoo  soldiers 
pillaged  the  town;  the  booty  was  immense. 

King  Tchoulin  had  a  daughter,  extremely  beautiful.  Her 
name  was  the  princess  Ouangkion ;  she  was  presented  to  King 
Souran,  who  took  her  for  his  wife. 

The  King  then  resumed  his  march  and  arrived  at  Temasik. 
The  rumor  of  his  approach  soon  reached  China.  People  said, 
"  Lo !  King  Souran  comes  with  a  countless  army  to  conquer 
China.  He  has  already  reached  Temasik."  This  news  was 
heard  with  dire  alarm  by  the  King  of  China.  He  said  to  his 
ministers  and  to  his  officers: 

"  What  must  be  done  to  repel  this  invading  multitude  ?  If 
the  King  of  Kling  arrives  here,  he  will  doubtless  ruin  our 
country." 

The  prime  minister  said :  "  O  King  of  the  world ;  I  have  a 
device  for  repelling  him." 

"Very  good,"  said  the  King;   "do  not  fail  to  try  it." 

The  prime  minister  therefore  caused  a  pilo,  or  ship,  to  be  fit- 
ted out  with  rusty  needles.  They  took  also  two  kinds  of  trees, 
kamses  and  jujube  trees,  laden  with  fruit ;  these  were  placed 
on  board  ship  with  the  soil  in  which  they  grew.  Old  men  who 
had  lost  their  teeth  were  chosen  for  passengers  and  crew.  To 
these  the  minister  gave  his  instructions  and  they  started  for 
Temasik. 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  97 

When  they  had  reached  this  place  King  Souran  was  informed 
that  a  ship  had  arrived  from  China.  "  Go  and  ask  these  stran- 
gers," he  said  to  his  attendants,  "  at  what  distance  does  this 
country  lie  from  us."  The  attendant  put  this  question  to  the 
crew  of  the  pila  and  received  the  following  reply: 

"  When  we  left  China  we  were  all  still  young,  being  scarcely 
twelve  years  old;  and  these  trees  were  seeds  which  we  had 
sown.  But  you  see  how  old  we  are  now,  and  how  our  teeth 
are  fallen  out;  the  grains  of  seed  have  become  trees  in  fruit, 
and  all  this  has  happened  during  the  time  it  has  taken  us  to 
reach  here." 

At  the  same  time  they  took  the  needles  of  which  they  had 
a  large  quantity  and  said  as  they  showed  them  to  the  Hindoos : 

"  When  we  started  from  China,  these  were  as  thick  as  a 
man's  arm,  and  now  see  how  they  are  worn  out  by  the  rust. 
This  will  give  you  an  idea  of  the  length  of  the  voyage:  we 
could  not  keep  count  of  the  years  and  the  months." 

On  hearing  this  answer  of  the  Chinese,  the  Hindoos  ran  to 
report  it  to  King  Souran,  to  whom  they  repeated  all  they  had 
heard. 

"  If  the  thing  is  as  they  say,"  replied  the  prince,  "  the  land 
of  China  is  still  a  very  long  way  off.  When  shall  we  arrive 
there?    We  had  better  return  home." 

"  His  Majesty  is  undoubtedly  right,"  said  the  officers. 

King  Souran  meditated  thus:  "  Behold,  the  contents  of  the 
land  is  known  to  me,  but  how  can  I  learn  the  contents  of  the 
sea?    I  must  needs  enter  the  sea,  in  order  to  know  it." 

Then  he  summoned  his  engineers  and  skilful  men,  and 
ordered  them  to  fashion  a  box  of  glass  with  lock  and  fastenings 
within,  in  order  that  he  might  shut  himself  in  it.  The  engi- 
neers made  the  box  of  glass  just  as  the  King  desired  it;  they 
furnished  it  with  a  chain  of  the  purest  gold ;  then  they  presented 
it  to  King  Souran,  who  was  exceedingly  well  pleased  with  it, 
and  rewarded  them  all  with  rich  presents. 

The  prince  entered  into  the  box,  disappeared  from  the  eyes 
of  all  present,  and  shut  the  door  upon  himself.  They  took  the 
box  to  the  sea,  and  let  it  descend  even  to  the  bottom.  What 
treasures,  what  wealth,  works  of  the  Almighty,  were  seen  by 
King  Souran !  The  box  fell  until  it  reached  a  land  called  Dika. 
There  King  Souran  came  out  of  the  box,  and  went  forward, 
7 


98  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

seeing  most  wonderful  things.  He  arrived  at  a  great  and 
strongly  fortified  town,  which  he  entered  and  saw  a  vast  popu- 
lation, whose  number  God  alone  knows.  This  people,  who  call 
themselves  the  Badsam  people,  were  composed  of  believers  and 
unbelievers. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  town  were  astonished  to  see  the  face 
of  King  Souran,  and  his  garments  they  looked  upon  with  as- 
tonishment. They  conducted  him  to  the  presence  of  their 
King,  whom  they  call  Agtab-al-Ard  (i.e.,  Bowels  of  the  Earth). 
This  prince  asked,  "  What  man  is  this?  " 

"  My  lord,"  was  the  reply,  "  it  is  a  stranger,  who  arrived  a 
moment  ago." 

"  Whence  does  he  come?  " 

*'  We  do  not  know." 

Then  the  King  addressed  King  Souran  himself  and  said, 
"  Who  are  you,  and  whence  do  you  come  ?  " 

King  Souran  replied:  "  I  come  from  the  world;  I  am  the 
king  of  men;  my  name  is  King  Souran." 

King  AgtaS-al-Ard  was  very  much  astonished  on  hearing 
these  words.  "  There  is,  then,"  he  said,  "  another  world  beside 
ours?  " 

"  The  world,"  replied  King  Souran,  "  contains  many  races." 

"  Glory  to  God  almighty,"  said  the  King,  full  of  surprise. 
Then  he  made  King  Souran  ascend  and  sit  with  him  on  the 
royal  throne. 

Agtab-al-Ard  had  a  daughter,  of  great  beauty,  named  Prin- 
cess Mah-tab-al-Bahri  ("  Moon  of  the  Sea  ").  He  gave  her  in 
marriage  to  King  Souran.  That  prince  dwelt  three  years  with 
her  and  had  three  male  children  by  her.  When  he  thought 
about  these  three  children  King  Souran  felt  much  troubled. 
He  said  to  himself:  "  What  will  become  of  them,  here,  under 
the  earth?    Or  how  shall  I  withdraw  them  hence?" 

He  went  to  see  Agtab-al-Ard,  and  said  to  him :  "  If  my  sons 
grow  up,  will  your  Majesty  allow  me  to  see  that  they  are 
brought  into  the  upper  world,  in  order  that  the  royal  line  of 
Sultan  Iskender  Dhoul-Quameen  may  not  be  broken  to  the 
end  of  time  ?  " 

The  King  answered,  "  I  shall  not  hinder  you." 

Then  King  Souran  took  leave  of  the  King  and  prepared  for 
his  return.     The  King  and  his  daughter  shed  many  tears  at 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  99 

parting.  Then  the  King  gave  orders  to  bring  the  horse  Sem- 
brani,  named  Paras-al-Bahri  ("Sea-horse  ")>  which  he  gave  to 
King  Souran.  The  prince  mounted  the  horse,  which  bore  him 
from  the  sea,  and  carried  him  in  the  air  above  the  billows. 

The  troops  of  King  Souran  caught  sight  of  the  horse  Sem- 
brani,  and  recognized  in  its  rider  their  King.  The  prime  min- 
ister at  once  took  a  beautiful  mare  and  led  it  to  the  shore.  The 
sea-horse  saw  the  mare  and  came  to  land  to  meet  her,  and  King 
Souran  descended.  Then  the  horse  Sembrani  went  back  into 
the  sea. 

King  Souran  said  to  his  wise  men  and  engineers:  "Raise 
a  monument  which  shall  witness  to  my  journey  in  the  sea;  for 
I  wish  the  memory  of  it  to  be  preserved  even  to  the  Resurrec- 
tion day.  Write  out  the  story,  so  that  it  may  be  told  to  all  my 
descendants." 

In  obedience  to  the  words  of  the  King  the  wise  men  and  engi- 
neers set  up  a  stone  on  which  they  traced  an  inscription  in 
the  tongue  of  Hindostan.  This  done.  King  Souran  gathered 
a  quantity  of  gold,  silver,  jewels,  gems,  and  precious  treasures, 
which  he  laid  up  under  the  stone. 

"  At  the  end  of  the  centuries,"  he  said,  "  there  will  come  a 
king  among  my  descendants  who  will  find  these  riches.  And 
this  king  will  subdue  every  country  over  which  the  wind 
blows." 

After  this.  King  Souran  returned  to  the  land  of  Kling. 
There  he  built  a  mighty  city,  protected  by  a  wall  of  black  stone 
having  seven  rows  of  masonry  thick  and  nine  fathoms  high; 
the  engineers  made  it  with  such  skill  that  the  joints  of  the 
stones  were  invisible,  and  the  wall  seemed  cast  of  a  single 
substance.  The  gate  was  of  steel,  enriched  with  gold  and 
precious  stones. 

This  rampart  enclosed  seven  hills.  In  the  centre  of  the  city 
extended  a  pool  vast  as  the  sea;  from  one  bank  it  was  im- 
possible to  discern  an  elephant  standing  up  on  the  other.  It 
contained  very  many  kinds  of  fishes.  In  the  midst  of  it  rose 
a  very  lofty  island,  always  covered  with  a  mantle  of  mist. 
The  King  caused  to  be  planted  there  every  sort  of  flowering 
and  fruit-bearing  tree  to  be  found  in  the  world.  None  was 
lacking,  and  to  this  island  the  King  would  repair  when  he 
wished  for  recreation. 


loo  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

He  caused  also  to  be  planted  on  the  banks  of  the  pool  a  vast 
forest  wherein  wild  animals  were  at  large.  And  when  the  King 
wished  to  hunt,  or  catch  elephants  in  the  snare,  he  went  to 
this  forest.  When  the  town  was  completed  the  King  called  it 
after  himself,  Souran-Bidgi-Nagara,  and  this  town  still  exists 
in  the  province  of  Kling. 

In  short,  if  one  wished  to  relate  all  the  rest  of  King  Souran's 
history  he  would  find  it  as  long  as  that  of  Sidi  Hanza. 

The  Adventures  of  Badang 

It  is  related  that  there  once  lived  at  Salouang  a  husbandman 
who  owned  a  slave  named  Badang,  whom  he  employed  in  clear- 
ing forest-land.  It  happened  one  day  that  Badang  spread  his 
nets  in  the  river ;  but  on  the  following  morning  he  found  his  net 
quite  empty,  and  by  its  side  some  fish-scales  and  fish-bones. 
The  same  thing  took  place  for  some  days  following.  Badang 
flung  the  fish-scales  (sisik)  into  the  river;  from  which  circum- 
stance was  derived  the  river's  name,  Besisik. 

Meanwhile  the  slave  said  to  himself:  "  Who  is  it  who  eats 
the  fish  caught  in  my  net?     I  must  watch  and  find  out." 

With  this  intention  he  hid  one  day  behind  some  trees  and 
saw  a  hantou,  or  evil  genius,  or  monster,  who  was  eating  the 
fish  taken  in  his  net.  This  hantou  had  eyes  red  as  fire,  his  hair 
was  like  woven  osiers,  and  his  beard  fell  down  to  his  waist. 
Badang  drew  his  knife,  and,  screwing  up  his  courage,  rushed 
up  to  the  hantou  and  seized  him. 

"  Every  day,"  he  said,  "  you  eat  up  my  fish.  But  this  time 
you  shall  die  at  my  hands." 

On  hearing  these  words,  the  hantou  was  afraid,  and  slipped 
aside,  wishing  to  avoid  the  hands  of  his  adversary;  but  failing 
to  do  so,  he  said  to  him :  "  Do  not  kill  me ;  I  will  give  you  what 
you  wish,  on  condition  that  you  spare  my  life." 

Badang  thought:  "  If  I  ask  for  riches,  my  master  will  claim 
them.  If  I  ask  the  power  to  become  invisible,  they  will  put 
me  to  death  as  a  sorcerer.  Therefore  it  is  best  for  me  to  ask 
for  the  gift  of  physical  strength,  in  order  that  I  may  do  the  work 
of  my  master." 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution,  Badang  said  to  the 
hantou,  "  Give  me  the  gift  of  physical  strength ;  let  me  be  strong 
enough  to  tear  down  and  to  uproot  the  trees ;  that  is,  that  I  may 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  loi 

tear  down,  with  one  hand,  great  trees,  a  fathom  or  two  in 
girth." 

The  hanfm  answered :  "  Your  prayer  is  granted.  You  wish 
for  strength;  I  will  give  it  to  you;  but  first  it  is  necessary  that 
you  eat  up  what  I  vomit." 

"  Very  well,"  said  Badang;  *'  vomit,  and  I  will  eat  it  up." 
The  hantou  vomited,  and  Badang  set  to  work  to  eat  it.  He  held 
the  hantou  by  the  beard,  and  would  not  let  him  go.  Then  he 
attempted  the  uprooting  of  great  trees ;  and,  seeing  that  he  tore 
them  up  with  ease,  he  let  go  the  beard  of  the  hantou. 

Afterward,  coming  and  going  through  the  forest,  he  tore 
down  enormous  trees;  he  carried  off,  roots  and  all,  those  of  a 
fathom  or  two  in  girth.  As  for  the  small  ones,  he  tore  them 
up  by  handfuls  and  flung  them  on  all  sides.  In  a  moment 
the  forest  which  had  been  a  wilderness  became  level  as  a  great 
plain. 

When  his  master  saw  this  work  he  said:  "  Who  has  cleared 
our  land?  For  I  see  that  it  is  suddenly  freed  entirely  from  trees 
and  brushwood." 

"  It  is  I,"  said  Badang,  "  who  have  effected  this  clearance." 

Then  answered  the  master :  "  How  have  you  been  able  to 
do  this,  single-handed,  so  quickly  and  in  one  job?" 

Then  Badang  related  all  the  details  of  his  adventure,  and  his 
master  gave  him  his  liberty. 

The  report  of  these  occurrences  reached  Singapore.  King 
Krama  immediately  ordered  that  Badang  be  brought  before 
him,  and  he  called  him  Raden  {i.e.,  Royal  Prince). 

Once  upon  a  time  the  King  of  Singapore  ordered  Badang 
to  fetch  for  his  repast  the  fruit  of  kouras,  at  the  river  Sayang. 
Badang  went  there  alone  in  his  pilang,  or  boat,  which  was  eight 
fathoms  long,  and  he  punted  it  with  a  pole  cut  from  the  trunk 
of  a  kampas-tree  a  fathom  in  girth. 

When  he  arrived  at  the  river  Sayang,  he  clasped  the  kouras- 
tree.  The  branches  broke,  the  tree  fell,  and  his  head  struck 
against  a  huge  rock.  His  head  was  not  injured,  but  the  rock 
was  split  in  two.  This  stone  is  still  seen  to-day  on  the  river 
Sayang,  and  it  bears  the  name  of  Balou-blah,  which  means  the 
"  Riven  Rock."  His  pole  and  boat  have  also  been  preserved 
to  the  present  day.  The  day  following  his  exploit  Badang 
started  back  for  Singapore,  with  his  pilang  completely  laden 


f02  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

with  sugar-cane,  bananas,  and  keladion,  or  edible  lily,  root.  He 
had  eaten  the  whole  cargo  before  he  arrived  at  Djohor-the-Old. 

On  another  occasion  the  King  of  Singapore  had  caused  a 
large  ship  to  be  built,  fifteen  fathoms  long,  in  front  of  the 
palace.  The  vessel  being  finished,  between  forty  and  fifty  men 
were  ordered  to  push  it  into  the  water.  They  were  unable  to 
launch  it.  As  many  as  2,000  or  3,000  persons  were  equally 
unsuccessful.  Then  the  King  ordered  Badang  to  undertake 
the  operation.  Badang  undertook  the  task  unaided,  and 
pushed  with  such  force  that  the  vessel  went  right  across  the 
strait  to  the  other  shore.  For  this  feat  the  King  appointed 
him  houhubalong,  or  officer  of  military  rank. 

A  report  reached  the  province  of  Kling  that  among  the  offi- 
cers of  the  King  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  strength,  named 
Badang.  Now  there  was  a  powerful  athlete  at  the  court  of 
the  King  of  Kling,  who  had  no  rival  in  the  country.  His  name 
was  Madia-Bibjaya-Pelkrama.  The  King  ordered  him  to  go 
to  Singapore  with  seven  vessels ;  "  Go,"  said  he,  "  and  wrestle 
with  this  officer.  If  he  defeat  you,  give  him  as  a  prize  the 
cargo  of  the  seven  vessels ;  if  you  are  victorious,  demand  of  him 
an  equal  forfeit." 

"  I  obey,  your  Majesty,"  said  the  athlete,  and  started  oflF  with 
the  seven  vessels. 

When  he  arrived  at  Singapore  they  brought  news  to  the  King 
of  the  city,  saying:  "An  athlete  has  arrived  from  the  land  of 
Kling  to  compete  with  Badang  in  many  kinds  of  sports.  H  he 
is  defeated,  he  will  leave  the  cargo  of  his  seven  vessels  as  for- 
feit." 

The  King  came  out  of  his  palace  to  give  audience.  The 
Hindoo  athlete  presented  himself.  The  prince  told  him  to  try 
a  bout  with  Badang.     Badang  beat  him  in  every  round. 

Now  facing  the  halerong,  or  court  of  audience,  was  an  enor- 
mous rock.  The  athlete  said  to  Badang:  "  Come,  let  us  match 
our  strength  by  lifting  this  stone.  Whoever  cannot  lift  it  will 
be  conquered." 

"  Do  you  try  first,"  said  Badang. 

The  athlete  commenced,  and  made  many  attempts  without 
succeeding  in  lifting  it.  At  last,  mustering  all  his  strength,  he 
raised  it  to  the  height  of  his  knee  and  let  it  fall  again. 

"  Now  it  is  your  turn,  my  master,"  he  said. 


SEDJARET   MALAYOU  103 

"  Very  good,"  answered  Badang,  and  lifting  the  stone  he 
swung  it  in  the  air,  then  hurled  it  toward  the  river,  at  the  en- 
trance to  the  town,  where  it  is  still  seen  at  the  extremity  of 
the  point  of  Singapore. 

The  athlete  of  Kling,  thus  vanquished,  handed  to  Badang 
the  seven  vessels  and  their  cargoes;  then  he  returned,  very 
much  saddened  and  mortified  by  his  defeat. 

Now  the  report  came  to  the  country  of  Perlak  that  there 
was  at  Singapore  an  officer  of  the  King  named  Badang  with- 
out a  rival  in  extraordinary  strength.  The  King  of  Perlak, 
so  runs  the  story,  had  an  athlete  named  Bandarang,  also  very 
strong  and  of  a  great  reputation.  This  athlete  was  before 
the  King  when  they  spoke  of  Badang. 

"  My  lord,"  he  asked,  "  is  Badang  stronger  than  I  am  ?  If 
you  will  permit  me,  I  will  go  to  Singapore  to  try  an  assault 
with  him." 

"  Very  well ;  go  to  Singapore,"  said  the  King.  Turning  to 
the  prime  minister,  Toun  Parapatih,  he  said: 

"  Get  ready  a  praho,  for  I  am  going  to  send  Bandarang  to 
Singapore."  When  all  was  ready,  a  royal  litter  was  prepared 
and  the  minister  embarked  with  the  athlete,  and  after  a  while 
reached  Singapore.  Prince  Sri  Rana  Ouira  Krama  received 
the  King's  litter  in  the  audience-chamber,  among  the  radjas, 
ministers,  body-guards,  heralds,  and  other  grand  officers  upon 
his  command. 

Then  the  prince,  addressing  the  ambassador,  asked :  "  With 
what  commission  is  our  brother  charged  ?  " 

The  ambassador  replied :  "  Behold,  I  have  received  the  com- 
mand of  your  illustrious  younger  brother  to  bring  here  this 
subject  Bandarang,  to  try  his  strength  with  Badang.  If  Ban- 
darang is  vanquished,  your  brother  will  place  at  your  Majesty's 
!eet  the  contents  of  a  storehouse ;  and  if  Badang  succumbs,  you 
shall  oflFer  us  the  equivalent." 

"  Very  well,"  said  the  King;  "  to-morrow  everything  shall 
be  arranged  for  the  struggle."  The  King  retired  to  the  palace, 
summoned  Badang,  and  said  to  him : 

"  You  know,  Badang,  that  to-morrow  you  will  have  to  con- 
tend with  Bandarang." 

"  My  lord,"  answered  Badang,  "  know  that  this  man  is  a 
powerful  athlete,  of  extraordinary  strength,  famous  in  all  coun- 


104  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

tries.  If  your  slave  is  vanquished  will  it  not  cast  some  dis- 
credit on  the  sovereign?  If  your  Majesty  thinks  it  wise,  let 
us  both  be  called  into  your  presence  together,  so  that  I  may 
test  him ;  and  if  I  feel  myself  capable  of  competing  with  him, 
we  will  have  the  contest ;  but  if  he  is  too  strong  for  me,  then 
your  Majesty  can  oppose  the  struggle." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  the  King.  That  is  why,  when  night 
came,  the  prince  invited  Toun  Parapatih  Pendek,  Bandarang, 
and  their  companions.  When  they  arrived  they  were  served 
with  a  collation.  Bandarang  was  seated  beside  Badang,  who 
began  to  test  him.  They  tried  each  other's  strength  without 
attracting  attention. 

At  the  end  of  an  hour,  when  the  guests  were  in  wine,  the 
King  asked  Badang  if  he  were  strong  enough  to  struggle  with 
Bandarang,  who  declared  that  he  was  equal  to  him.  On  the 
other  hand,  when  Toun  Parapatih  Pendek  had  returned  to  the 
ship,  Bandarang  said  to  him : 

"  Lord,  if  you  will  permit  me  to  advise,  there  will  be  no  con- 
test between  Badang  and  me.  I  might  not  conquer,  for  I  have 
learned  how  powerful  he  is." 

"  Very  well,"  said  the  minister;  "  it  is  very  easy  to  arrange 
that." 

So  the  minister  said  to  the  King :  "  It  is  my  opinion  that 
we  should  prevent  this  struggle;  for  if  one  of  the  contestants 
should  be  vanquished  in  some  bad  way,  a  quarrel  might  arise 
out  of  it  between  your  Majesty  and  the  sovereign  your  brother." 

The  King  agreed,  and  the  ambassador  asked  leave  to  return 
home.  The  prince  had  a  letter  written  for  the  King  of  Perlak. 
It  was  carried  in  state  on  board  the  ship  and  the  envoy,  after 
receiving  vestments  of  honor,  set  sail  to  his  own  country.  Ar- 
riving, he  told  the  King  all  that  had  taken  place.  Later  Badang 
died  and  was  buried  at  Bourou.  When  the  news  of  his  death 
arrived  at  that  country,  the  King  of  Kling  sent  a  carved  stone, 
which  is  now  seen  at  Bourou. 

And  now  as  to  the  kings  of  Pasey.  The  authors  of  this  story 
declare  that  there  were  two  brothers  named  Marah  who  lived 
near  Pasangan.  They  were  originally  from  the  mountain  of 
Sanggong.  The  elder  was  named  Mara-Tchaga,  and  the 
younger  Marah-Silou.  Marah-Silou  was  engaged  in  casting 
nets.     Having  taken  some  kalang-kalang,  he  rejected  them 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  105 

and  cast  his  net  anew.  The  kalang-kalang  were  caught  again. 
After  several  attempts  with  the  same  result,  Marah-Silou  had 
these  kalang-kalang  boiled.  And  behold,  the  wretched  things 
became  gold  and  their  froth  became  silver.  Marah-Silou 
caught  more  kalang-kalang,  boiled  them,  and  again  saw  them 
become  gold  and  silver.  He  had  thus  acquired  much  store  of 
gold  and  silver,  when  one  day  the  news  came  to  Marah-Tchaga 
that  his  younger  brother  was  catching  kalang-kalang,  and  he 
was  so  irritated  that  he  wished  to  kill  him.  When  Marah-Silou 
learned  of  this  design,  he  took  refuge  in  the  forest  of  Djawn. 
The  place  where  he  fished  is  still  called  the  Plain  of  Kalang- 
Kalang. 

Marah-Silou,  established  in  the  forest  of  Djawn,  gave  gold 
to  those  who  dwelt  there,  and  they  all  obeyed  his  commands. 
One  day  when  he  was  hunting,  his  dog,  named  Si  Pasey,  began 
to  bark  on  a  slight  hill  ^hich  one  would  have  believed  made 
by  the  hand  of  man.  Climbing  the  small  hill  he  saw  an  ant  as 
big  as  a  cat.  He  took  it  and  ate  it  up.  The  place  was  after- 
ward called  Samodra;  that  is  to  say,  "  The  Big  Ant."  Now  it 
is  said  that  the  prophet  of  God — blessings  be  upon  him! — once 
told  his  companions: 

"  There  will  be  a  country  some  day,  toward  the  south,  called 
Samoudra.  When  you  hear  it  spoken  of,  hasten  thither  to  con- 
vert the  inhabitants  to  Islam,  for  in  that  country  many  will  be- 
come the  friends  of  God.  But  there  will  also  be  the  king  of  a 
country  called  Mataba,  whom  you  must  take  with  you." 

A  long  time  after  this  decree  of  the  prophet,  the  fakir 
Mahomet  went  to  Samoudra.  Reaching  the  shore,  he  met 
Marah-Silou,  who  was  gathering  shells.  The  fakir  asked 
him: 

"  What  is  the  name  of  this  country?  " 

*'  Its  name  is  Samoudra,"  answered  Marah-Silou. 

"And  what  is  the  sovereign's  name?" 

"  I  am  the  sovereign  of  all  who  dwell  here,"  said  Marah- 
Silou. 

The  fakir  Mahomet  converted  Marah-Silou  to  Islam  and 
taught  him  the  words  of  the  creed.  Now  Marah-Silou  being 
asleep  dreamed  that  he  was  in  the  presence  of  the  prophet  of 
God,  and  the  prophet  said  to  him,  "  Marah-Silou,  open  your 
mouth."    He  opened  it  and  the  prophet  spat  in  it,  and  Marah- 


io6  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Silou,  awaking,  perceived  throughout  his  whole  body  a  per- 
fume like  that  of  spikenard.  When  day  broke  he  told  his 
dream. 

"  This  is  truly  the  country  of  Samoudra  of  which  the  prophet 
of  God  has  spoken,"  said  the  fakir  Mahomet.  Bringing  from 
the  ship  all  the  royal  ensigns  aboard,  he  proclaimed  Marah- 
Silou  king  with  the  title  of  Sultan  MeHk-es-Salih. 

Sultan  Melik-es-Salih  sent  Sidi  AH  Ghaiath-ed-Din  to  the 
country  of  Perlak.  This  prince  had  three  daughters,  two  of 
blood-royal  on  their  mother's  side,  and  one  born  of  a  concubine. 
The  latter  was  called  the  princess  Ganggang.  When  Sidi  AH 
Ghaiath  arrived  at  Perlak  they  showed  him  the  three  daughters. 
The  two  sisters  of  the  blood-royal  were  seated  lower  than  the 
princess  Ganggang,  who  occupied  a  high  seat.  The  latter,  by 
order  of  her  father,  was  cleaning  arec  nuts  for  her  two  sisters, 
like  one  doing  the  honors  of  the  household.  She  wore  rose- 
colored  garments  and  a  violet  cloak.  Her  ears  were  adorned 
with  soubangs  made  with  the  young  leaves  of  the  lontar.  She 
was  very  beautiful. 

Sidi  AH  Ghaiath-ed-Din  said  to  the  King  of  Perlak,  "  That 
one  of  your  daughters  who  is  seated  above  is  the  one  I  ask  in 
marriage  for  my  master,  your  son."  The  envoy  knew  not  that 
Princess  Ganggang  was  the  daughter  of  a  concubine. 

The  King  burst  out  laughing.  "  Very  well,"  he  said,  "  let 
the  will  of  my  son  be  accomplished."  Then  he  gave  orders  to 
equip  ICO  prahos,  and  Toun  Parapatih  received  the  command 
to  accompany  the  princess  to  the  country  of  Samoudra. 

Sultan  Melik-es-Salih  went  to  meet  the  princess  as  far  as 
Djambou  Ayer.  He  introduced  her  into  Samoudra  with  a 
thousand  honors  and  splendors,  and  married  her.  The  mar- 
riage accompHshed,  the  prince  gave  presents  to  the  ministers 
and  to  the  officers,  and  showed  himself  lavish  in  gold  and  silver 
to  the  poor  of  the  country.  As  for  Toun  Parapatih  Pendek, 
he  took  leave  to  return  to  Perlak.  Sultan  Melik-es-Salih  and 
the  princess  Ganggang  had  two  sons  who  received  from  the 
prince  the  names  of  Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir  and  Sultan  Melik- 
el-Mansour.  The  elder  was  confided  to  Sidi  AH  Ghaiath-ed- 
Din  and  the  other  to  Sidi  AH  Asmai-ed-Din.  Years  passed 
and  the  two  young  princes  had  grown  up.  Perlak  had  been 
conquered  by  an  enemy  come  from  the  opposite  coast,  and  the 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  107 

inhabitants  of  the  country  had  migrated  to  Samoudra.  Sultan 
Melik-es-Salih  conceived  the  plan  of  founding  a  city  to  estab- 
lish his  sons  there.  He  said  to  the  great  ones,  "  To-morrow 
I  shall  go  hunting."  The  next  morning  he  set  out,  mounted  on 
an  elephant  called  Perma  Diouana.  He  passed  to  the  other 
side  of  the  water.  When  he  came  to  land  his  dog  Si  Pasey  be- 
gan to  bark.  The  prince  ran  up  and  saw  that  he  was  barking 
before  a  hillock,  sufficiently  extended  for  the  erection  of  a  pal- 
ace and  its  dependencies,  level  on  top  and  well  disposed.  Sul- 
tan Melik  had  the  ground  cleared  and  built  a  palace  and  a  city 
there.  After  the  name  of  his  dog  he  called  the  palace  Pasey, 
and  established  as  king  his  son  Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir,  with 
Sidi  Ali  Ghaiath  as  minister.  He  divided  his  men,  his  ele- 
phants, and  his  royal  standards  into  two  parts,  one  for  each  of 
his  sons. 

Some  time  after  this,  the  prince,  having  fallen  ill,  commanded 
the  grandees  to  assemble  and  called  his  two  sons  and  spoke  as 
follows:  "Oh,  my  two  sons,  and  you  all,  my  companions,  my 
last  hour  is  approaching.  You  men  be  good  to  those  whom 
I  leave  behind.  And  you,  my  sons,  beware  of  being  envious 
of  another's  good,  and  of  the  wives  and  daughters  of  your  sub- 
jects. Maintain  between  you  the  union  of  two  brothers,  abstain 
from  all  injustice,  and  avoid  between  you  every  cause  of  quar- 
rel." He  said  also  to  Sidi  Ali  Gaiath-ed-Din  and  to  Sidi  Asmai- 
ed-Din : 

"  Oh,  my  brothers,  take  care  of  these  two  sons.  Stir  not  up 
trouble  between  them.  Be  faithful  to  them  and  never  give 
your  allegiance  to  another  king."  The  two  young  princes 
bowed  their  heads  and  wept 

As  for  the  two  ministers,  "  Lord,"  they  said,  "  light  of  our 
eyes,  we  swear  by  the  sovereign  Master  who  created  the  worlds 
that  we  will  never  break  our  promises,  that  we  will  never  lack 
in  our  fidelity  or  render  homage  to  another  king  than  your  two 
well-beloved  sons." 

Then  Sultan  Melik-es-Salih  named  his  son  M-elik-el-Man- 
sour.  King  of  Samoudra.  Three  days  later  he  died  and  was 
buried  in  the  interior  of  the  palace.  Their  father  dead,  the  two 
young  princes,  his  sons,  commanded  the  royal  herald  to  assem- 
ble the  officers  and  soldiers,  elephants  and  horses,  as  well  as  the 
royal  insignia  of  the  country  of  Pasey.     And  the  two  cities  grew 


io8  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

and  flourished  more  and  more.  God  knows  best  the  truth. 
He  is  our  aid  and  our  refuge. 

Now  this  is  the  story  of  the  King  Chehr-en-Naoui.  His 
power  was  great,  his  officers  and  soldiers  innumerable.  They 
told  this  prince  that  the  country  of  Samoudra  had  a  large  popu- 
lation, many  merchants,  and  a  powerful  king.  Chehr-en-Naoui 
said  to  his  officers: 

"  Which  of  you  would  be  able  to  take  the  King  of  Samou- 
dra?" 

One  of  his  officers  very  strong  and  brave,  Aoui  Ditchou, 
bowed  and  said :  "  Lord,  if  your  Majesty  will  give  me  4,000 
chosen  warriors,  I  will  take  the  King  of  Samoudra  alive  and 
bring  him  to  the  foot  of  your  Majesty's  throne." 

The  King  gave  him  the  4,000  warriors  and  100  ships.  When 
they  were  ready  Aoui  Ditchou  sailed  toward  Samoudra,  feign- 
ing that  the  ships  were  bent  on  commerce  up  to  the  very  mo- 
ment when  they  reached  the  end  of  the  voyage.  Then  he  caused 
it  to  be  said  that  he  was  an  ambassador  of  the  King  Chehr-en- 
Naoui,  and  the  King  of  Samoudra  sent  some  officers  to  receive 
him. 

Landing,  Aoui  Ditchou  put  into  four  chests  four  lusty  houlou- 
balongs,  to  whom  he  said :  "  Presently,  when  you  are  in  the 
presence  of  the  King  of  Samoudra,  open  the  chests,  leap  out, 
and  seize  the  King."  The  chests  were  fastened  from  within. 
They  took  them  ashore  in  state  as  presents  from  the  King 
Chehr-en-Naoui.  When  they  were  in  the  presence  of  the 
prince,  a  message  couched  in  flattering  terms  was  read,  and 
the  chests  were  brought  in.  Immediately  the  houlou-balongs 
opened  the  chests,  sprang  out,  and  seized  the  sovereign.  The 
soldiers  uttered  fierce  cries  and  unsheathed  their  arms  to  attack 
the  band  of  Chehr-en-Naoui's  men.     But  the  latter  cried: 

"  If  you  fall  upon  us,  we  will  kill  your  King." 

So  the  soldiers  paused  in  their  attack.  Aoui  Ditchou  and 
his  people  returned,  bringing  with  them  the  King  of  Samoudra. 
They  crossed  the  sea  and  regained  their  own  country.  There 
the  prisoner-King  was  conducted  by  Aoui  Ditchou  before  King 
Chehr-en-Naoui,  who  was  very  joyful  and  loaded  the  head  of 
the  expedition  and  all  his  companions  with  honors.  As  for  the 
King  of  Samoudra,  they  made  him  a  poultry-keeper. 

Now  let  us  talk  of  Sidi  AH  Gaiath-ed-Din.     Having  consult- 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  109 

ed  with  the  principal  ministers  in  the  country  of  Samoudra,  he 
equipped  a  ship  and  purchased  a  cargo  of  Arabic  merchandise, 
for  the  inhabitants  of  Pasey  at  that  time  all  knew  the  Arabic 
language.  Sidi  Ali  and  the  soldiers  whom  he  embarked  on  the 
ship  with  him  took  all  the  ways  and  manners  of  the  Arabs. 
The  minister  being  on  board  and  all  being  made  ready,  they 
set  sail  for  the  country  of  Chehr-en-Naoui,  where  they  arrived 
after  a  short  voyage.  Sidi  Ali  landed  and  went  to  present  him- 
self to  the  King,  bearing  as  a  gift  a  tree  of  gold,  of  which  the 
fruits  were  all  sorts  of  precious  stones,  and  which  was  worth 
an  almost  inconceivable  sum.  When  the  prince  saw  this  pres- 
ent he  asked: 

"  What  do  you  want  of  me?  " 

Sidi  Ali  replied,  "  We  want  nothing." 

The  King  was  highly  pleased,  although  surprised  by  such 
a  magnificent  present.  And  he  said  to  himself,  "  Now,  what 
can  be  the  aim  of  these  people  giving  me  all  this?  "  The  pre- 
tended Arabs  returned  to  their  ships.  A  few  days  after,  the 
master  of  the  ship  returned  to  visit  the  King.  This  time  he 
brought  as  a  present  a  chess-board  of  gold  of  which  the  chess- 
men were  of  precious  stones,  which  was  worth  an  enormous 
sum. 

"What  do  you  want  of  me?"  again  asked  the  prince. 
"  Speak,  that  I  may  satisfy  you." 

And  they  replied,  "  We  ask  for  nothing." 

Then  they  returned  to  the  ship.  Some  time  later,  when  the 
favorable  monsoon  blew  for  their  return  homeward,  Sidi  Ali 
Ghaiath  thought  upon  his  departure.  He  went  to  see  the  King, 
laden  with  a  present  which  consisted  of  two  golden  ducks,  male 
and  female,  enriched  with  precious  stones,  and  in  a  big  golden 
basin.  He  filled  this  golden  basin  with  water,  put  in  the  ducks. 
They  began  to  swim,  dive,  and  pursue  each  other,  a  sight  at 
which  the  King  marvelled  much. 

"  I  beg  of  you  to  tell  me,"  he  said,  "  what  you  desire  of  me. 
By  the  God  whom  I  worship,  I  swear  to  fulfil  your  wishes." 

Then  Sidi  Ali  answered :  "  Lord,  if  it  is  the  accompHshment 
of  your  favor,  we  beg  that  you  will  give  us  your  poultry- 
keeper." 

"  It  is  the  King  of  Pasey  that  you  ask  of  me.  But,  very  well, 
I  grant  him  to  you." 


no  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

"  It  is  because  he  is  a  Mussulman/*  said  tHe  strangers,  "  that 
we  ask  him  of  your  Majesty." 

The  King  Chehr-en-Naoui  delivered  therefore  the  Sultan 
Melik-ed-Dhahir  to  Sidi  AH  Gaiath-ed-Din,  who  took  him  on 
board  the  ship,  gave  him  a  bath,  and  then  clothed  him  in  royal 
raiment.  The  wind  blew,  they  weighed  anchor,  set  sail,  and 
after  a  certain  time  arrived  at  the  country  of  Samoudra.  And 
God  knows  the  truth.     He  is  our  aid  and  our  refuge. 

Now  we  are  going  to  speak  of  the  King  Melik-el-Mansour 
at  Samoudra.  This  prince  said  one  day  to  Sidi  Ali  Asmai-ed- 
Din: 

"  I  would  like  to  go  and  see  how  my  brother  is  getting 
along." 

The  minister  answered,  "  Do  not  go,  my  lord,  for  fear  of 
misfortune."  And,  indeed,  he  tried  to  restrain  his  master. 
The  prince  would  listen  to  nothing,  and  finally  the  minister  was 
silent.  He  ordered  the  drums  to  beat,  in  order  to  make  the 
announcement,  "  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour  is  going  to  see  the 
country  of  his  brother." 

Sidi  Ali  Asmai-ed-Din  was  not  satisfied.  He  was  an  old  min- 
ister who  knew  that  out  of  every  affair  causes  of  trouble  may 
arise.  But  it  was  his  duty  to  obey.  The  prince  started.  He 
made  the  tour  of  the  city  of  Pasey,  and  then  entered  the  palace 
of  the  Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir.  There  he  fell  in  love  with  one 
of  the  ladies-of-honor  of  his  brother's  court,  and  a  quarrel 
arose  between  the  two  brothers  on  her  account.  Sultan  Melik- 
ed-Dhahir  felt  in  the  bottom  of  his  heart  a  violent  irritation 
toward  his  brother. 

Now  he  had  a  son  named  Radja  Ahmed,  very  young  when 
his  father  was  captured,  but  grown  up  when  the  prince  was 
restored  from  the  hands  of  Chehr-en-Naoui.  Sidi  Ali  Ghaiath- 
ed-Din  having  withdrawn  from  affairs,  a  minister  named  Para- 
patih  Toulous  Toukang  Sikari  had  replaced  him  in  his  minis- 
terial functions.     One  day  the  King  said  to  the  minister: 

"  What  is  your  opinion  concerning  the  act  of  Sultan  Melik- 
el-Mansour?" 

The  minister  answered :    "  We  have  a  means " 

"  But,"  answered  the  King,  "  it  might  involve  his  death." 

"  If  h€  dies,"  replied  the  minister,  "  my  name  shall  be  no 
longer  Toukang." 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  in 

"  Give  a  family  fete  for  your  son  Sultan  Ahmed.  We  will 
invite  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour  to  the  festival." 

Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir  gave  orders  then  to  decorate  the 
city  and  made  preparations  for  the  fete,  and  sent  to  find  Sultan 
Melik-el-Mansour.  This  prince  was  with  Sidi  Ali  Asmai-ed- 
Din  and  his  officers.  They  introduced  the  prince  and  his 
minister,  but  left  the  officers  outside.  When  they  had  entered, 
Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir  caused  them  both  to  be  seized  and 
ordered  one  of  his  officers  to  conduct  his  brother  to  Mandjang. 
"  As  for  you,"  he  said  to  Sidi  Ali,  "  stay  here.  Do  not  try 
to  go  with  your  master  or  I'll  cut  off  your  head." 

Sidi  Ali  answered :  "  Rather  let  my  head  be  separated  from 
my  body  than  that  the  servant  should  be  separated  from  his 
master.'* 

So  the  King  had  his  head  cut  off.  The  head  was  thrown 
into  the  sea  and  the  body  impaled  at  the  entrance  to  the  Bay 
of  Pasey.  While  they  were  taking  the  Sultan  Melik-el-Man- 
sour toward  the  east  in  a  prabo,  at  the  moment  when  they 
arrived  near  Djambou  Ayer,  the  pilot  saw  a  human  head  float- 
ing in  the  water  near  the  rudder.  He  recognized  the  head  of 
Sidi  Ali.  Informed  of  this  event.  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour 
caused  the  head  to  be  taken  from  the  water.  It  was  indeed  that 
of  his  minister.  Casting  his  glances  toward  the  land :  "  Be- 
hold," he  said,  "the  Plain  of  Illusions."  And  it  bears  that 
name,  "  Padang-Maya,"  to  this  day.  The  prince  sent  to  his 
brother  and  demanded  the  body  of  Sidi  Ali ;  joined  the  head 
with  the  body,  and  buried  both  in  the  Plain  of  Illusion.  Then 
he  went  back  to  Mandjang. 

After  the  departure  of  the  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour,  King 
Melik-ed-Dhahir  had  the  family  festival.  The  Sultan  Melik- 
el-Mansour  had  been  at  Mandjang  three  years  when  the  Sultan 
Melik-ed-Dhahir  bethought  him  of  his  brother. 

"  Alas,"  he  said,  "  I  was  truly  too  unwise.  For  a  woman 
my  brother  dethroned,  and  his  minister  is  dead." 

And  the  prince  repented.  He  ordered  some  of  his  officers 
to  go  and  find  his  brother  at  Mandjang.  They  therefore 
brought  back  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour  with  the  regard  due 
to  a  king.  When  they  arrived  near  the  Plain  of  Maya,  the 
prince  landed  to  visit  the  tomb  of  Sidi  Ali  Asmai-ed-Din. 
"  I  salute  you,  my  father,"  he  said.  "  Stay  here,  my  father. 
As  for  me  I  go  away,  called  by  my  brother." 


112  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

From  the  interior  of  the  tomb  Sidi  Ali  answered :  "  Where 
would  the  prince  go  ?    It  is  better  to  remain  here." 

When  the  prince  heard  these  words,  he  made  his  ablutions, 
said  a  couple  of  prayers,  then  stretched  himself  upon  the  tomb 
and  expired.  They  bore  to  Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir  the  news 
that  his  brother  was  dead,  in  the  Plain  of  Maya,  in  the  tomb 
of  Sidi  Ali  Asmai-ed-Din.  He  started  at  once,  went  to  the 
place,  and  had  his  brother.  Sultan  Melik-el-Mansour,  buried 
with  the  ceremonies  of  great  kings.  Then,  after  returning 
to  Pasey,  a  prey  to  grief,  he  abdicated  the  throne  in  favor  of 
his  son.  Sultan  Ahmed. 

Some  time  after  this.  Sultan  Melik-ed-Dhahir  fell  ill.  He 
gave  Sultan  Ahmed  his  last  instructions.  "  O  my  son,"  said 
he,  ''  light  of  my  eyes,  treasure  of  my  heart,  never  neglect  the 
advice  of  your  old  servitors.  In  every  affair  take  counsel  with 
your  ministers.  Neglect  not  the  duties  of  piety  to  God,  the 
sovereign  Master.    Beware  of  injustice  to  men." 

Sultan  Ahmed  heard  in  tears  the  last  words  of  his  father. 
The  prince  died,  and  they  buried  him  near  the  mosque. 

Sultan  Ahmed  was  for  many  years  on  the  throne  and  gov- 
erned with  much  justice.  Now,  the  author  of  this  story  says : 
"  There  was  at  Pasey  a  servant  of  God  named  Toun  Djana 
Khatite.  This  man  made  the  voyage  to  Singapore  with  two 
companions.  Crossing  the  square  of  Singapore  he  passed  by 
the  palace  of  the  King  and  saw  the  Queen.  Near  the  palace  was 
an  areca  tree,  and  while  Toun  Djana  was  looking  at  the 
Queen  the  tree  split  in  two.  At  sight  of  this,  King  Sri  Maha- 
radja  was  extremely  irritated.  *  You  see,'  he  cried,  '  the  con- 
duct of  Toun  Djana  Khatite.  To  call  the  attention  of  the 
Queen,  he  has  acted  thus.  And  he  ordered  him  to  be  killed. 
So  Toun  Djana  was  led  to  the  place  of  punishment,  near  a 
cake-shop,  where  Toun  Djana  Khatite  received  the  blow  of 
the  poniard;  his  blood  ran  on  the  earth,  but  his  body  dis- 
appeared and  no  one  could  ever  tell  what  became  of  it.  The 
cake-shop-keeper  covered  the  blood  with  the  cake-cover,  and 
the  cake-cover  was  changed  into  stone,  which  is  still  seen  at 
Singapore.  According  to  a  tradition,  the  body  of  Toun  Djana 
Khatite  was  transported  to  Langkaoui  and  there  buried." 

Some  time  later  came  the  sea-monsters  called  toudaks  and 
attacked  Singapore.    They  leaped  upon  the  shore,  and  people 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  113 

who  were  there  died  in  great  numbers,  overtaken  by  these 
toudaks.  If  they  struck  a  man  on  the  breast,  they  pierced  to 
his  back.  If  they  struck  the  neck  or  the  loins,  they  pierced 
clear  through  from  one  side  to  the  other.  There  were  many 
killed.    People  ran  about  crying : 

"  The  toudaks  are  attacking  us !  " 

"What  shall  we  do?" 

"  How  many  dead  ?    We  shall  all  perish !  " 

Padouka  Sri  Maharadja  in  great  haste  mounts  the  elephant 
and  goes  forth,  followed  by  his  ministers,  his  body-guards,  and 
all  his  officers.  Arriving  at  the  seashore  he  sees  with  horror 
the  work  of  these  monsters,  the  toudaks.  Whoever  was 
wounded  by  them  inevitably  perished.  The  number  of  the 
victims  became  larger  and  larger.  The  prince  ordered  the  men 
to  make  a  rampart  of  their  legs,  but  in  their  boundings  the 
toudaks  succeeded  in  passings  this  barrier.  They  came  like  the 
rain,  and  the  slaughter  was  terrible.  While  this  was  happening 
a  young  boy  said : 

"  Why  make  thus  a  rampart  of  our  legs  ?  That  is  an  artifice 
very  much  to  our  hurt.  If  we  should  make  a  rampart  of  the 
trunks  of  banana-trees,  would  not  that  be  better  ?  " 

When  Padouka  Sri  Maharadja  heard  the  words  of  the  child, 
"  He  is  right,"  he  said.  And  on  his  orders  they  hastened  to 
construct  a  barrier  of  banana-tree  trunks.  When  the  toudaks 
came  bounding  along  their  snouts  were  buried  in  the  tree- 
trunks,  and  the  men  ran  up  and  killed  them.  There  perished 
thus  of  these  toudaks  a  number  beyond  computation.  Their 
bodies  formed  heaps  on  the  shore,  and  all  the  population  of 
Singapore  did  not  suffice  to  eat  them.  And  the  toudaks  ceased 
their  leapings.  They  say,  by  the  force  of  their  boundings  the 
toudaks  reached  the  elephant  of  the  prince  and  tore  the  sleeve 
of  his  cloak.    About  this  they  made  a  song : 

*'  The  boundings  of  the  toudaks  tore 
The  mantle  which  the  Sultan  wore, 
But  here  they  ceased  their  onset  wild. 
Thanks  to  the  wisdom  of  a  child." 

While  Padouka  Sri  Maharadja  was  returning,  the  grandees 
said  to  him :    '*  Lord,  this  child,  though  so  young,  has  much 
wit.    What  will  it  be  when  he  has  grown  up  ?    You  had  better 
8 


114  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

get  rid  of  him."  That  is  why  they  found  it  just  that  the  King 
should  give  the  order  for  him  to  be  killed. 

After  they  had  caused  this  young  boy  to  perish,  it  seems 
that  the  city  of  Singapore  felt  the  weight  of  his  blood. 

Padouka  Sri  Maharadja  reigned  some  time  still  and  then 
died.  He  had  as  successor  his  son  Padja  Is  Keuder  Chah, 
who  married  the  daughter  of  Toun  Parapatih  Toulous,  and  by 
her  had  a  son  named  Radja  Ahmed  Timang-timanganga 
Radja  Besar  Mouda.  This  young  prince  was  handsome  and 
well  formed,  without  equal  in  those  days.  When  he  was  of 
age  his  father  married  him  to  the  daughter  of  the  King  Sala- 
miam.  King  of  Kota-Mahlikie,  who  was  named  Kamar-al- 
Adjaaib,  a  princess  of  unrivalled  beauty.  King  Is  Keuder 
Chah  had  a  bendahari,  or  major-domo,  named  Lang  Radjouna 
Tapa,  of  the  race  of  ancient  inhabitants  of  Singapore,  father 
of  a  very  beautiful  girl  in  the  court  of  the  King.  The  other 
court  ladies  calumniated  this  young  woman,  and  the  King  in 
a  rage  ordered  her  to  be  impaled  in  the  corner  of  the  market- 
place. 

Lang  Radjouna  Tapa  was  extremely  wounded  by  the 
treatment  of  his  daughter.  "  If  in  truth  my  daughter  had 
offended,"  said  he,  "  you  might  have  simply  had  her  killed. 
But  why  dishonor  us  thus  ?  "  On  this  he  wrote  a  letter  to 
Java  saying,  "  If  the  Batara  of  Madjapahit  wishes  to  attack 
Singapore  let  him  come  at  once,  for  I  will  give  him  entrance 
into  the  fortifications." 

When  the  Batara  of  Madjapahit  had  read  this  letter  he 
caused  to  be  equipped  300  junks  and  a  great  quantity  of  other 
boats.  A  hundred  thousand  Javanese  embarked,  crossed  the 
sea,  and  attacked  Singapore.  At  the  end  of  several  days  King 
Is  Keuder  commanded  his  major-domo  to  carry  rice  for  the 
rations  of  the  troops.  Lang  Radjouna  Tapa  answered, 
"  There  is  no  more,  my  Lord."  For  he  wished  to  betray  him. 
At  daybreak  he  opened  the  gates  of  the  fortifications  and  the 
Javanese  entered.  Inside  the  town  there  was  a  frantic  combat. 
So  many  people  were  killed  on  each  side  that  blood  flowed 
like  water.  From  this  came  the  marks  of  blood  which  are 
seen  to  this  day  in  the  Plain  of  Singapore.  The  natives  ceased 
their  struggle  and  King  Is  Keuder  escaped,  descending  from 
Salitar  to  the  Moara  coast.    By  the  will  of  God,  the  house  of 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  115 

Lang  Radjouna  Tapa  was  overturned,  the  storehouse  for  rice 
fell  to  pieces,  and  the  rice  was  changed  to  earth.  The  bendahari 
himself  and  his  wife  were  changed  to  stone,  and  these  stones 
are  still  found  in  the  ditch  at  Singapore.  After  this  victory 
the  Javanese  returned  to  Madjapahit. 

On  arriving  at  Moara,  King  Is  Keuder  halted  at  nightfall. 
Now  there  came  a  multitude  of  iguanas,  and,  when  day 
dawned  they  saw  them  gathered  in  a  crowd  near  the  halting- 
place.  They  killed  them  and  threw  their  bodies  into  the  river. 
But  at  night,  iguanas  again  came  in  mass.  The  next  morning 
the  Singaporeans  killed  them,  but  that  night  as  many  more 
arrived.  So  that  the  place  became  putrid  from  the  multitude  of 
their  bodies.  The  quarter  is  still  called  Biaoak  Bousok,  or 
"Putrid  Iguanas." 

King  Is  Keuder  Chah  set  out  and  came  to  another  place, 
where  he  built  a  fort.  But  all  they  constructed  by  day  was 
overturned  by  night.  And  the  place  still  bears  the  name  of 
Kota-Bourok,  or  "  Ruined  Fort." 

Starting  from  there  the  King  advanced  into  the  interior 
during  many  days  and  came  to  the  Saning  Oudjong.  He  found 
this  place  agreeable  and  left  a  minister  there.  Hence  comes  it 
that  to  this  day  Saning  Oudjong  is  the  residence  of  a  minister. 
Then  the  King  returned  toward  the  coast  near  a  river  at  the 
shore  of  the  sea.  The  river  was  called  Bartain.  Is  Keuder 
Chah  halted  at  the  foot  of  a  very  bushy  tree.  Then  he  began 
hunting.  His  dog,  chasing  some  game,  was  struck  by  the  foot 
of  a  little  white  gazelle  and  fell  into  the  water.  On  this  the 
prince  cried : 

"  Here  is  a  good  place  to  build  a  city,  for  even  the  little 
gazelles  are  valiant  here." 

And  all  the  grandees  said,  "His  Majesty  is  right."  The 
King  therefore  gave  orders  for  the  construction  of  a  city  at 
this  place.  He  asked,  "  What  is  the  name  of  this  tree  against 
which  I  have  been  leaning  ?  " 

Someone  answered,  "  It  is  a  malaka-tree."  "  Very  well," 
said  he,  "  let  Malaka  be  the  name  of  the  city." 

The  prince  established  himself  at  Malaka.  'He  had  lived 
thirty-two  years  at  Singapore,  up  to  the  capture  of  that  town 
by  the  Javanese.  He  lived  for  three  years  more  at  Malaka,  and 
then  died,  by  the  vicissitudes  of  this  world,  and  had  as  successor 
his  son  Radja  Besar  Mouda. 


H6  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

This  prince  governed  with  justice.  He  regulated  the  eti- 
quette of  the  court.  He  first  established  a  ministry  of  cere- 
monies to  direct  people  who  came  to  Balerong,  and  forty 
heralds  who  stood  below  the  throne  ready  to  take  the  orders  of 
the  King  and  carry  to  him  the  words  of  the  public.  He  insti- 
tuted among  the  sons  of  the  grandees  a  body  of  pages  serving 
as  royal  messengers  and  bearing  everywhere  the  royal  equipage. 

This  prince  had  three  sons,  Radeu  Bagousa,  Radeu  Tengah, 
and  Radeu  Anoumah,  who  all  married  daughters  of  Bauhara 
Toun  Parapatih  Toulous.  At  his  death,  Radeu  Bagousa  took 
his  functions  with  the  title  of  Toun  Parapatih  Permouka  Ber- 
djadjar. 

When,  by  the  vicissitudes  of  the  world,  King  Besar  Mouda 
died,  his  son  Radeu  Tengah  succeeded  him.  The  latter  had  a 
son  called  Radja  Kitchil  Bessar,  who  at  his  death  was  his 
successor.  He  was  just  and  guarded  the  interests  of  his  sub- 
jects. No  one  in  his  time  among  the  kings  of  the  world 
equalled  him  in  liberality.  And  the  city  of  Malaka  became 
large,  well  peopled,  and  the  meeting-place  of  merchants.  This 
King  married  a  daughter  of  Toun  Parapatih  Permouka  Ber- 
djadjar,  and  by  her  had  two  sons,  Radja  Kitchil  Mainbang 
and  Radja  Makat.  He  reigned  for  a  certain  time,  when  one 
night  he  dreamed  that  he  was  in  the  presence  of  the  glorious 
prophet  of  God,  on  whom  be  blessings !  And  the  prophet  said 
to  him,  "  Recite  the  words  of  the  creed."  And  Radja  Kitchil 
Bessar  did  as  the  prophet  commanded. 

"  Your  name  shall  be  Sultan  Mahomet,"  said  the  prophet. 
"  To-morrow  at  the  moment  of  the  Asr  (in  the  afternoon)  there 
will  arrive  a  ship  from  Djedda,  from  which  the  men  will 
descend  to  pray  on  the  shore  of  Malaka.  Follow  all  their 
orders." 

"  Yes,  Lord,"  replied  the  prince,  "  I  shall  obey  your  word." 

And  the  prophet  disappeared.  When  day  came  the  King 
awaked.  He  perceived  upon  his  body  the  odor  of  spikenard 
and  saw  that  he  bore  certain  marks.  "  It  is  clear,"  he  thpught, 
"  that  my  dream  does  not  come  from  Satan."  And  he  began 
to  recite  without  relaxation  the  words  of  the  creed. 

The  ladies-of-honor  who  were  in  the  palace  were  very  much 
surprised  to  hear  the  King  speak  thus.  "  Has  the  King  been 
touched  by  Satan^,  or  has  he  lost  his  wits?    Let  us  hasten  tq 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  117 

inform  the  hendahari."  They  ran  to  tell  the  hendahari,  who  came 
at  once,  entered  the  palace,  and  saw  the  King  repeating  with- 
out cessation  the  words  of  the  creed. 

"What  is  this  language  in  which  the  King  is  speaking?" 
said  the  minister. 

"  Last  night,"  said  the  King,  "  I  dreamed  that  I  was  in  the 
presence  of  the  glorious  prophet."  And  he  told  his  dream  to 
the  bendahari. 

"  If  your  dream  is  not  an  illusion,"  said  the  latter,  "  what  is 
,the  sign  ?  " 

"  Here  is  the  sign  that  proves  that  I  have  really  seen  in  a 
dream  the  prophet  of  God.  Furthermore,  the  prophet  told  me : 
'  To-day,  at  Asr,  there  will  arrive  a  ship  from  Djedda,  from 
which  the  people  will  descend  to  say  their  prayers  on  the  shore 
of  Malaka.    Follow  their  directions.'  " 

The  bendahari  was  surprised  at  seeing  the  marks  on  the 
King. 

"  Truly,"  he  said,  "  if  a  ship  arrives  at  the  hour  stated,  then 
your  dream  is  a  reality.  If  it  does  not  arrive,  we  shall  judge 
that  Satan  must  have  troubled  your  spirit." 

The  King  replied,  "  My  father  is  right."  And  the  bendahari 
returned  to  his  house. 

Now  at  the  hour  of  Asr  there  arrived  a  ship  from  Djedda 
which  cast  anchor.  The  master  came  on  shore.  He  was  called 
Sidi  Abd-el-Aziz.  He  said  his  prayers  on  the  shore  of  Malaka. 
The  inhabitants,  astonished  at  the  sight,  said : 

"  Why  does  he  stoop  so  and  prostrate  himself  so  ?  " 

And  to  see  him  better,  the  people  pressed  around,  leaving  no 
spot  vacant,  and  making  a  great  tumult. 

The  noise  reached  the  palace,  and  the  King  mounted  an 
elephant  and  came  in  haste,  accompanied  by  his  grandees.  He 
saw  the  master  making  all  the  ceremonies  of  his  prayer,  and  all 
was  in  evident  accord  with  the  dream. 

"It  is  exactly  as  in  my  dream,"  he  exclaimed  to  the  bendahari 
and  the  grandees. 

When  the  master  had  finished  praying,  the  King  made  his 
elephant  stoop,  and  took  up  the  master  with  him  and  carried 
him  to  the  palace.  The  bendahari  and  the  grandees  all  be- 
came Mussulmans,  and  by  command  of  the  King  so  did  all  the 
population,  men  and  women,  great  and  small,  young  and  old. 


Ii8  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

The  master  taught  the  King  the  ceremonies  of  prayer,  and 
gave  him  the  name  of  Sultan  Mahomet  Chah.  The  bendahari 
received  the  title  of  Sri  Ouak  Radja;  that  is  to  say,  "  Paternal 
Uncle  of  the  King,"  which  he  was  in  fact.  And  that  is  the 
first  title  of  the  bendahari. 

Sultan  Mahomet  regulated  the  ceremonial  customs  of  the 
court.  He  was  the  first  to  prohibit  yellow  for  the  clothes  of 
the  person  strange  to  the  court,  for  handkerchiefs,  borders  of 
curtains,  pillow-cases,  mattresses,  coverings  of  all  kinds,  orna- 
ments of  every  nature,  as  well  as  for  the  decoration  of  houses. 

Furthermore  the  use  of  only  three  kinds  of  garments  was 
permitted — the  kain,  the  badjoa,  and  the  destar.  It  was  also 
forbidden  to  construct  houses  with  projections  sustained  upon 
pillars  not  touching  the  ground,  or  with  pillars  extending  be- 
yond the  roof  or  with  observatories.  The  prahos  could  have  no 
windows  in  front.  It  was  forbidden  to  carry  clasps  or  orna- 
ments of  gold  on  the  kris.  No  one  strange  to  the  court  could 
have  gold  rings  nor  pins  nor  jingling  bangles  of  gold  and 
silver.  Nobody  without  the  royal  consent  had  the  right  to 
wear  on  his  clothes  gilding  of  any  sort ;  but  the  authorization 
once  granted,  one  might  wear  it  indefinitely.  When  a  man  pre- 
sented himself  at  the  palace,  if  he  had  a  vesture  falling  be- 
neath the  girdle,  if  his  kris  was  not  attached  in  front,  if  he 
was  not  clad  in  a  sabec,  he  was  not  admitted,  whatever  might 
be  his  distinction.  If  anyone  entered  with  his  kris  attached 
behind,  the  officer  took  it  away  from  him. 

Such  were  formerly  the  prohibitions  of  the  Malay  kings. 
Whoever  transgressed  was  guilty  of  lese-majeste  and  was  con- 
demned to  pay  a  fine  of  one  to  five  katis.  White  parasols  were 
held  in  higher  esteem  than  yellow  ones,  because  they  could  be 
seen  at  a  greater  distance.  That  is  why  they  were  ranked 
higher;  the  first  were  for  the  King  and  the  second  for  the 
princes.  The  objects  of  the  king's  private  use,  such  as  the 
spittoon,  the  ewer  for  his  ablutions,  the  fan,  and  other  like 
objects,  had  no  fixed  place,  except  the  betel-tray  and  the  sword, 
which  they  kept  at  the  right  and  left  of  the  sovereign.  At  the 
arrival  and  departure  of  an  ambassador,  the  servitors  of  the 
King  brought  from  the  palace  dishes  and  basins  which  were 
received  by  the  head  of  the  bataras  and  deposited  near  the 
bendahari.    They  gave  a  dish  and  a  scarf  to  the  bearer  of  the 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  1 19 

letter.  If  the  missive  came  from  Pasey  or  from  Harau,  it  was 
received  with  all  the  royal  pomp — drum,  flute,  trumpet,  kettle- 
drum, and  two  white  parasols  together ;  but  the  bugle  did  not 
figure  at  this  reception.  The  ministers  preceded  the  elephant 
bearing  the  message,  the  bataras  followed  it  with  the  sida-sida. 
The  letter  was  borne  by  the  chief  of  the  bedaouenda,  and  they 
placed  the  elephant  at  the  extremity  of  the  balei.  For  the  kings 
of  these  two  countries  were  equal  in  greatness  to  the  King  of 
Malaka.    Younger  or  older,  all  gave  the  salaam. 

Having  reached  the  audience-chamber,  the  letter  was  re- 
ceived by  the  chief  of  heralds  of  the  right,  the  one  of  the  left 
being  charged  with  transmitting  the  words  of  the  King  to  the 
ambassador,  and  the  herald  of  the  right  transmitted  the  answer. 
If  the  message  came  from  another  country  than  Pasey  and 
Harau,  they  suppressed  part  of  the  men.  The  cortege  in- 
cluded only  the  drum,  the  flute,  and  a  yellow  parasol.  They 
took,  as  was  suitable,  now  an  elephant,  now  a  horse,  and  they 
halted  outside  the  first  exterior  gate.  When  the  message  came 
from  a  more  considerable  sovereign,  they  employed  the  flute 
and  two  parasols,  one  white  and  one  yellow.  The  elephant 
passed  through  the  exterior  gate,  for  formerly  the  royal  en- 
trance included  seven  fortifications.  At  his  departure,  the 
ambassador  received  a  complete  investiture,  even  were  he  only 
a  simple  ambassador  of  Rakan.  The  same  gift  was  offered 
to  our  own  ambassadors  at  the  moment  of  their  departure. 

When  the  King  conferred  a  title,  he  gave  audience  in  the 
falerongj  with  the  following  procedure:  According  to  the 
rank,  the  person  to  be  honored  was  brought  on  an  elephant,  on 
horseback,  or  simply  on  foot,  with  parasol,  drum,  and  flute. 
There  were  green,  blue,  and  red  parasols.  The  noblest  were 
the  yellow  and  the  white,  which  with  the  kettle-drums  repre- 
sented the  height  of  distinction.  The  yellow  with  the  trumpet 
was  also  very  distinguished;  they  were  the  parasols  of  the 
princes  and  greatest  personages.  The  violet,  red,  and  green 
parasols  were  those  of  the  sida-sida,  of  the  bataras,  and  of 
the  hoiilou  balongs.  The  blue  and  black  ones  served  for  any 
other  person  summoned  to  receive  a  title.  When  the  personage 
arrived  at  the  palace,  he  was  detained  without.  Then  they 
read  before  the  King  a  very  fine  piece.  It  was  a  descendant  of 
Batl  that  held  this  office.     The  piece  read,  they  took  it  out. 


x«o  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

He  who  received  it  was  of  the  family  of  the  candidate  for 
honors.  With  this  piece  they  brought  a  tetampan  scarf  with 
which  the  reader  invested  the  candidate,  whom  he  then  intro- 
duced into  the  audience-chamber.  There  a  mat  was  stretched 
for  him  to  sit  upon  in  whatever  place  the  King  designated. 

Then  arrived  the  vestments.  For  a  personage  promoted 
to  the  ranks  of  the  bendahari  there  were  five  trays.  The  sons 
of  radjas  and  the  grand  officers  had  four  trays  only,  and  so  on 
down  through  the  various  ranks.  The  servitors  of  the  King 
charged  with  this  duty  approached  the  beneficiary  and  placed 
the  vestments  upon  his  shoulders.  He  crossed  his  arms,  to 
hold  the  vestments  in  place,  and  they  took  him  outside.  The 
etiquette  in  that  was  the  same  for  ambassadors  awarded  an 
investiture,  each  according  to  the  rights  of  his  rank.  The 
beneficiary  dressed  himself  outside  and  then  re-entered.  They 
decorated  him  with  a  frontlet  and  with  bracelets,  for  every 
man  who  received  a  title  wore  bracelets,  each  according  to  his 
dignity.  Some  had  bracelets  in  the  form  of  a  dragon  with 
amulets,  others  had  bracelets  of  precious  stones,  others  of  blue 
enamel,  others  of  silver.  These  wore  them  on  both  wrists,  those 
on  only  one.  The  beneficiary  thus  decorated  went  and  bowed 
before  the  King.  Then  he  returned  accompanied  according  to 
his  rank,  or  by  the  person  who  introduced  him.  The  cortege 
included  now  a  drum  and  a  flute  alone,  now  trumpets  or  kettle- 
drums, sometimes  a  white  parasol ;  but  the  white  parasol  was 
a  rare  honor,  as  well  as  the  kettle-drums,  for  the  yellow  para- 
sol and  the  trumpet  were  very  hard  to  obtain  in  those  times. 

On  festival  days,  when  the  King  went  forth  in  a  palanquin, 
he  was  surrounded  by  high  officers  of  state.  At  the  head, 
before  the  sovereign,  marched  the  bataras  and  the  houlou 
balongs,  each  following  their  charge.  Footmen,  also  before 
the  King,  bore  the  royal  insignia.  The  royal  pikes  were  at  the 
right  and  left;  the  bataras  had  sword  at  shoulder.  Before 
them  marched  the  lancers.  When  the  King  gives  a  festival  it 
is  the  panghoulou  bendahari  who  arranges  everything  inside  the 
palace,  stretches  mats,  decorates  the  balerong,  and  places  the 
hangings  on  the  ceilings.  It  is  he  who  looks  after  the  repasts 
and  sends  the  invitations;  for  the  servitors  of  the  King,  his 
bendahari,  his  tax-gatherers,  and  the  receiver  of  the  port  all 
depend  on  the  administration  of  the  parighoulou  bendahari. 


SEDJARET  MALAYOU  121 

He  invites  the  guests  and  the  temonggoreg  seats  them.  In  the 
hall  the  guests  eat  four  at  a  dish,  to  the  end  of  the  platform. 
If  any  one  of  the  various  fours  are  lacking  the  others  eat  with- 
out him,  by  threes  or  by  twos  or  even  one  alone.  For  it  is  not 
permitted  for  those  below  to  ascend  to  make  up  the  number. 
The  bendahari  eats  alone  or  from  the  same  dish  as  the  princes. 

Such  was  in  former  days  the  etiquette  of  Malaka.  There 
were  many  other  regulations,  but  to  relate  them  all  would 
weary  the  attentions  of  my  readers.  At  the  month  of 
Ramadhau,  at  the  twenty-seventh  night,  while  it  was  still  light, 
they  went  in  state  to  make  adorations  to  the  mosque.  The 
Temonggoreg  was  at  the  head  of  the  elephant.  They  first  took 
in  state  to  the  mosque  the  betel-tray,  the  royal  insignia,  and  the 
drum.  When  night  came,  the  King  started  for  the  mosque,  fol- 
lowing the  ceremonial  of  festival  days,  made  the  prayer  of 
perfumes,  and  returned. 

The  next  day  the  laksamana  carried  in  state  the  turban,  for 
the  Malay  kings  were  accustomed  to  go  to  the  mosque  in  a 
turban,  a  badjon,  and  a  sarong.  These  vestments  were  for- 
bidden at  weddings  except  by  express  permission.  It  was  also 
forbidden  to  dress  in  the  Hindoo  fashion.  Only  those  persons 
who  had  worn  this  costume  for  a  long  time  were  allowed  to 
wear  it  at  prayers  and  at  weddings.  Festival  days,  great  or 
small,  the  bendahari  and  the  grandees  assembled  at  the  palace, 
and  the  panghoulou  bendahari  brought  in  pomp  the  palanquin. 
As  soon  as  they  saw  it  appear,  the  persons  seated  in  the  balei 
descended  and  stood  about.  Seven  times  they  beat  upon  the 
drum,  and  each  time  the  trumpet  sounded.  After  the  sev  '^h, 
the  King  set  out  on  an  elephant  and  came  to  the  platform 
erected  for  that  purpose,  which  he  mounted.  At  sight  of  him, 
all  those  present  bowed  to  the  earth,  except  the  bendahari,  who 
mounted  the  platform  to  receive  him.  The  palanquin  having 
approached,  the  King  placed  himself  in  it,  and  they  started  for 
the  mosque  according  to  the  ceremonial  above  mentioned. 

Such  was  formerly  the  etiquette  of  the  Malay  kings.  Such 
I  learned  it,  such  I  tell  it.  If  I  commit  any  error,  I  desire  to 
be  convicted  by  anyone  who  has  given  attention  to  this  story, 
and  implore  the  indulgence  of  the  reader. 


THE    PRINCESS    D  JOU  H  ER-M  ANIK  AM 

[Translated  by  Aristide  Marre  and  Chauncey  C.  Starkweather] 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM 

THIS  is  the  history  of  the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam, 
whose  renown  is  celebrated  in  all  lands,  windward  and 
leeward. 

There  was  in  the  city  of  Bagdad  a  king  named  Haroun-er- 
Raschid,  sovereign  of  a  vast  empire.  He  was  a  prince  who 
feared  God  the  almighty,  and  worthy  of  all  praise,  for  he  was 
a  king  descended  from  the  prophet.  After  having  lived  for 
some  time  in  his  kingdom,  he  desired  to  start  on  a  pilgrimage. 
So  he  addressed  his  ministers  and  his  military  chiefs  and  spoke 
to  them  as  follows: 

"  O  you  all,  my  subjects,  my  officers,  what  is  your  opinion? 
I  would  fain  make  a  pilgrimage  to  the  house  of  God." 

The  cadi,  prostrating  himself,  answered :  "  Sire,  King  of 
the  world,  the  will  of  your  subHme  Majesty  is  very  just,  but  in 
my  opinion  your  departure  would  cause  the  ruin  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  fields,  and  those  of  your  subjects  who  ac- 
company you  will  have  much  to  suffer." 

The  prince,  having  heard  these  words,  said :  "  The  opinion 
of  the  cadi  is  loyal,  and  you,  my  officers,  tell  what  is  your 
advice." 

The  officers  arose,  then  they  prostrated  themselves  and 
spoke  as  follows :  "  Sire,  King  of  the  world,  we,  your 
servants,  beg  you  a  thousand  and  a  thousand  times  to  cause 
your  forgiveness  to  descend  upon  our  heads,  but  how  will 
your  Majesty  accomplish  the  pilgrimage?  In  whom  can  you 
trust  to  protect  the  country  and  watch  over  the  palace  ?  " 

The  prince  having  heard  these  words  of  his  officers,  none 
of  whom  approved  of  the  pilgrimage,  kept  silence  and  re- 
strained his  anger,  and  then  departed  and  returned  to  the 
palace.  Some  days  after  this,  by  the  will  of  the  most  high 
God,  the  heart  of  the  prince  felt  more  keenly  still  the  desire 
to  make  the  pilgrimage.     He  gave  orders  to  gather  together 

"5 


126  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

the  interpreters  of  the  law,  the  wise  men,  and  the  muftis,  as 
well  as  the  officers.  When  they  were  all  assembled,  the  prince 
went  to  the  audience-chamber,  and  there  before  the  officers 
of  the  court  he  questioned  one  of  the  doctors.  It  was  the 
mufti  of  the  city  of  Bagdad.  He,  prostrating  himself,  said: 
"  The  pilgrimage  of  his  Majesty  would  be  an  excellent  work, 
but  is  it  of  absolute  necessity?  For  the  voyage  will  be  very 
long,  and  there  is  no  one,  my  lord,  who  would  be  capable  of 
ruling  in  the  place  of  your  sublime  Majesty." 

The  prince  answered :  "  He  in  whom  we  first  of  all  place 
our  trust  is  God.  We  shall  hope  then  in  the  blessing  of  his 
envoy.  We  shall  leave  the  cadi  here,  and  if  it  pleases  God 
the  most  high,  we  shall  return  promptly  as  soon  as  we  have 
accomplished  the  pilgrimage." 

The  King  therefore  caused  to  be  equipped  and  provided 
with  all  sorts  of  provisions,  those  of  his  subjects  who  were 
going  to  accompany  him,  and  when  the  favorable  moment 
had  arrived  he  started  with  the  Queen,  some  of  the  maids-of- 
honor,  and  his  son  named  Minbah  Chahaz.  He  took  his  son, 
but  he  left  behind,  guarded  in  the  palace,  his  daughter  called 
the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam.  In  those  times  there  was 
no  one  in  the  country  of  Bagdad  who  surpassed  in  beauty  the 
Princess  Djouher-Manikam.  Furthermore,  she  had  in  her 
heart  the  fear  of  God  the  most  high  and  worthy  of  all  praise, 
and  would  not  cease  her  prayers. 

After  travelling  for  some  time,  the  prince  her  father  arrived 
at  Mecca,  and  fulfilled  his  duties  as  a  pilgrim.  He  recited  the 
appropriate  prayers.  But  observing  that  there  was  still  a 
great  quantity  of  provisions,  the  prince  said  to  his  officers : 

"  It  is  good  for  us  to  wait  a  year  or  so,  for  our  provisions 
are  yet  considerable." 

The  officers  replied :  "  It  is  well,  lord  of  the  world !  What- 
ever may  be  your  Majesty's  commands,  we  place  them  above 
our  heads."  "  Since  it  is  thus,"  answered  the  prince,  ''  it  is 
fitting  that  we  should  send  a  letter  thus  conceived :  *  Peace 
and  blessing  upon  the  cadi:  I  place  my  trust  in  God  first  of 
all,  and  in  the  cadi,  to  guard  my  kingdom,  palace,  and  my 
child  the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam.  Be  a  faithful  guardian, 
neglect  nothing  in  the  cares  to  be  given  to  my  kingdom,  for 
I  am  going  to  remain  another  year  for  the  great  pilgrimage.' " 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  127 

The  prince's  letter  reached  the  cadi.  The  latter  gave  all 
his  efforts  to  the  good  administration  of  the  country,  and, 
according  to  the  words  of  the  prince,  he  avoided  every  negli- 
gence. 

But  one  night  while  he  was  on  watch  near  the  fortifications 
of  the  King's  palace,  Satan  came  to  him  and  slid  into  his  heart 
a  temptation.  The  cadi  thought  in  his  heart :  "  The  King's 
daughter  is  of  a  marvellous  beauty ;  her  name,  Djouher-Mani- 
kam,  is  charming;  and  her  face  is  lovely.  Since  it  is  thus, 
I  must  marry  this  daughter  of  the  King."  The  cadi  called 
the  man  who  was  guarding  the  gate,  exclaiming: 

"  Ho !  Guardian  of  the  gate !     Open  unto  me." 

The  guardian  of  the  gate  demanded,  "  Who  is  there  ?  *^ 

The  cadi  replied,  "  It  is  I,  the  cadi." 

So  the  guardian  promptly  opened  the  gate,  and  the  ca^i 
entered  within  the  fortification,  then  went  up  into  the  palace 
and  found  the  princess  there  saying  her  evening  prayers.  He 
hid  behind  the  lamp  in  a  corner  which  was  dark.  When  her 
prayer  was  finished,  the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  cast  her 
eyes  in  that  direction  and  saw  there  was  someone  standing 
there  in  the  shadow,  so  three  times  again  she  said  the  "  verse 
of  the  Throne  " ;  but  she  saw  that  the  vision  had  not  yet  van- 
ished from  her  eyes. 

Then  the  princess  said  in  her  heart :  "  What  in  the  world 
is  that?  Is  it  a  ghost?  Is  it  a  demon?  Is  it  a  djinn?  If 
it  were,  it  would  have  necessarily  disappeared  when  I  recited 
the  '  verse  of  the  Throne.'  " 

The  cadi  heard  these  words  and  said :  "  O  Princess  Djouher- 
Manikam,  it  is  I,  the  cadi." 

"What  are  you  doing  here?"  asked  the  princess.  He 
answered,  "  I  wish  to  marry  you." 

The  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  said :  "  O  cadi !  Why  do 
you  act  so  to  me?  Have  you  then  no  fear  of  God  the  most 
high  and  worthy  of  all  praise  ?  Do  you  not  blush  before  the  face 
of  my  ancestor  the  prophet  Mahomet,  the  envoy  of  God? 
May  the  peace  and  blessings  of  God  be  upon  him!  As  for 
me,  I  am  the  servant  of  the  Lord  and  I  belong  to  the  religion 
of  the  envoy  of  God.  I  fear  to  marry  now.  And  you,  cadi, 
why  do  you  act  so  ?  My  father  gave  you  a  charge.  He  sent 
you  a  letter  which  commanded  you  to  protect  the  country  and 


1 28  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

all  who  dwelt  in  his  palace.  Why  do  you  conduct  yourself 
in  this  fashion  toward  me  ?  " 

The  cadi,  hearing  these  words  of  the  Princess  Djouher- 
Manikam,  felt  a  great  confusion  in  his  heart.  He  went  out 
of  the  palace  and  returned  home  full  of  trouble  and  emotion. 
When  it  was  day,  the  cadi  sent  a  letter  to  the  King  Haroun-er- 
Raschid  at  Mecca,  It  was  thus  conceived :  "  Your  Majesty 
left  me  to  be  guardian  of  his  kingdom,  his  palace,  and  his 
daughter.  Now,  the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  desires  to 
marry  me.  This  is  the  reason  why  I  send  this  letter  to  your 
Majesty."    Thus  spake  the  cadi  in  his  letter. 

When  it  reached  the  prince  and  he  had  read  it,  he  imme- 
diately summoned  his  son  Minbah-Chahaz.  He  came  in 
haste,  and  the  King  gave  him  a  cutlass  and  said,  "  Return  to 
Bagdad  and  slay  your  sister,  because  she  will  bring  shame 
upon  the  family  by  marrying  now." 

Minbah-Chahaz  bowed  before  his  father.  Then  he  set  out 
to  return  to  his  own  country. 

Arriving  at  the  end  of  his  journey,  he  entered  the  city,  and 
went  up  to  the  palace  of  the  Princess  Djouher-Manikam.  She 
was  filled  with  joy  and  said,  "  Welcome,  O  my  brother !  " 

Minbah-Chahaz  answered,  "  O  my  little  sister,  our  parents 
will  remain  for  the  great  pilgrimage." 

The  brother  and  sister  thus  chatting  together,  the  Princess 
Djouher-Manikam  said,  "  O  my  brother,  I  wish  to  sleep." 

"  It  is  well,  my  sister,"  answered  Minbah-Chahaz ;  "  sleep 
while  your  brother  combs  his  little  sister's  hair."  And  the 
princess  Djouher-Manikam  slept. 

Her  brother  then  took  a  cushion,  which  he  slipped  under 
the  head  of  the  young  virgin  his  sister;  then  he  thought  in 
his  heart :  "  If  I  do  not  execute  the  commands  of  my  father, 
I  shall  be  a  traitor  to  him.  But,  alas,  if  I  kill  my  sister,  I  shall 
not  have  a  sister  any  more.  If  I  do  not  kill  her,  I  shall  cer- 
tainly commit  a  crime  against  the  most  high,  because  I  shall 
not  have  obeyed  the  order  of  my  father.  I  will  fulfil  then  my 
father's  will.  It  is  a  duty  obligatory  on  all  children.  What 
good  are  these  subterfuges  ?  "  His  resolution  thus  confirmed, 
he  bound  his  handkerchief  over  his  eyes  and  directed  his  cut- 
lass against  his  sister's  neck.  But  at  that  instant,  by  the  will 
of  God  the  most  high,  a  little  gazelle  came  up  and,  by  the 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  129 

power  of  God  the  most  high,  placed  its  neck  upon  the  neck 
of  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  saying,  ''  I  will  take  the 
place  of  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam."  And  the  little 
gazelle  was  killed  by  Minbah-Chahaz.  That  done  he  un- 
bound his  eyes  and  saw  a  little  gazelle  lying  dead  with  its 
throat  cut,  by  the  side  of  his  young  sister  the  princess  Djouher- 
Manikam. 

At  this  sight,  Minbah-Chahaz  was  stricken  with  astonish- 
ment. He  thought  in  his  heart :  "  Since  it  is  so  with  my 
sister,  she  must  be  entirely  innocent,  and  cannot  have  com- 
mited  the  least  fault.  Nevertheless,  although  I  am  confident 
that  she  was  calumniated  by  the  cadi  I  must  tell  my  father 
that  I  have  killed  her." 

Minbah-Chahaz  set  out  then  for  Mecca,  to  find  the  prince 
his  father.  When  he  had  arrived  at  Mecca  he  presented  to  his 
father  the  cutlass  still  stained  with  blood.  The  King  Haroun- 
er-Raschid  cried,  "  Praise  be  to  God,  the  Lord  of  the  worlds. 
Our  shame  is  now  effaced,  since  you  have  poniarded  your 
sister  and  she  is  dead."  Such  were  the  deeds  of  this  first 
story. 

The  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  having  awakened  after  the 
departure  of  Minbah-Chahaz,  saw  that  her  brother  was  no 
longer  there,  but  that  at  her  side  there  was  a  little  gazelle  with 
its  throat  cut.  She  thought  in  her  heart:  "The  cadi  has 
slandered  me  to  my  father,  and  that  is  why  my  brother  came 
here  with  orders  to  kill  me."  The  princess  Djouher-Manikam 
felt  a  great  shame  and  thought  in  her  heart,  "  Since  it  is  so,  I 
must  retire  to  a  hidden  place."  Now  in  the  King's  park  there 
was  a  solitary  place  in  the  midst  of  a  vast  deserted  plain.  There 
was  a  pond  of  very  agreeable  appearance  there,  many  kinds 
of  fruit-trees  and  flowers,  and  an  oratory  beautifully  built. 
The  princess  Djouher-Manikam  set  out  and  retired  to  this 
place  to  pray  to  God  the  most  high  and  worthy  of  all  praise. 
She  was  established  there  for  some  time  when,  by  the  will  of 
God  the  most  high,  a  certain  thing  happened. 


130  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 


Second  Story 


There  was  in  the  country  of  Damas  a  king  who  was  named 
Radja  Chah  Djouhou.  This  King  wished  to  go  hunting  in  the 
deserted  forests.  His  first  minister  said  to  him,  bowing  low : 
"  O  my  lord,  King  of  the  world,  why  does  your  Majesty  wish 
to  go  hunting  in  foreign  countries  ?  " 

King  Chah  Djouhou  replied :  "  I  insist  upon  my  plan  of 
going  to  hunt  in  foreign  lands,  in  forests  far  removed  from 
ours.  I  wish  to  go  from  place  to  place,  from  plain  to  plain. 
Such  is  my  will.'*  The  prince  set  out  therefore  accompanied 
by  his  ministers,  his  chiefs,  and  his  servants. 

They  had  all  been  hunting  for  some  time  and  had  not  yet 
found  a  single  bit  of  game.  The  prince  had  directed  his  march 
toward  the  forests  of  the  country  of  Bagdad.  These  forests 
were  of  immense  extent.  The  heat  was  excessive,  and  the 
prince,  being  very  thirsty,  wanted  a  drink  of  water.  The 
people  who  generally  carried  water  for  the  King  said  to  him : 
"  O  lord,  sovereign  of  the  world,  your  Majesty's  provision 
of  water  is  entirely  exhausted." 

The  prince  then  asked  of  his  officers  and  servants  :  "  Which 
of  you  can  get  me  water  ?  I  will  reward  him  with  riches  and 
with  slaves." 

These  words  were  heard  by  one  of  his  officers  named  Asraf- 
el-Kaum.  He  said :  *'  O  my  lord,  sovereign  of  the  world, 
give  me  the  vase  which  will  serve  for  water,  and  I  will  go  and 
seek  water  for  your  Majesty." 

Then  the  prince  said  to  the  people  who  had  brought  water 
for  his  use,  "  Give  my  emerald  pitcher  into  the  hands  of  Asraf- 
el-Kaum." 

The  latter  bowed  low  and  started  to  seek  water.  Seeing 
from  afar  a  very  large  fig-tree,  he  advanced  in  that  direction. 
Arriving  near  the  tree  he  saw  at  its  base  an  oratory  and  a 
pond.  At  the  oratory  there  was  a  woman  of  very  great  beauty. 
The  splendor  of  her  countenance  shone  like  that  of  the  full 
moon  at  its  fourteenth  day.  Asraf-el-Kaum,  astonished  and 
moved  with  admiration,  thought  in  his  heart :  "  Is  this  a 
human  creature,  or  is  it  a  peri  ?  "  and  Asraf-el-Kaum  saluted 
the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  who  returned  the  salutation. 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  131 

Then  the  princess  asked  him,  "  What  is  your  desire  in  com- 
ing here  to  my  dwelHng?" 

Asraf-el-Kaum  answered,  "  I  have  come  here  to  ask  you 
for  water,  for  I  have  lost  my  way." 

The  princess  said,  "  Take  water,  lord." 

Asraf-el-Kaum  plunged  the  emerald  pitcher  into  the  pond, 
and  filled  it  with  water.  Then  he  asked  permission  to  re- 
turn. 

Arriving  near  the  King  Chah  Djouhou  he  presented  the 
pitcher  to  the  prince,  who  seized  it  quickly  and  drank. 

"  Asraf-el-Kaum,"  said  the  prince,  "  where  did  you  find 
such  fresh  and  dehcious  water?  In  all  my  life  I  have  never 
drunk  the  like." 

Asraf-el-Kaum  answered :  "  O  my  lord,  sovereign  of  the 
world,  there  is  a  garden  in  the  middle  of  the  plain,  and  in  this 
garden  there  is  a  very  large  and  bushy  fig-tree,  and  at  the 
foot  of  this  tree  there  is  a  pond,  and  near  this  pond  there  is 
an  oratory.  At  this  oratory  there  was  a  woman  who  was 
reading  the  Koran.  This  charmingly  beautiful  woman  has 
no  equal  in  this  world.  I  saluted  her  and  then  returned  to 
the  presence  of  the  sovereign  of  the  world.  That  is  what  I 
saw,  my  lord." 

^*  Conduct  me  to  this  place,"  said  the  King. 

"  O  sovereign  of  the  world,  if  your  Majesty  wishes  to  go 
thither,  let  it  be  with  me  alone.  Let  not  my  lord  take  his 
people  with  him,  for  it  is  a  woman,  and  naturally  she  would 
be  ashamed." 

The  prince  set  out  then  on  horseback  with  Asraf-el-Kaum. 
The  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  seeing  two  cavaliers  ap- 
proach, thought  in  her  heart :  "  I  must  hide  myself,  so  that 
I  may  not  be  seen."  So  she  left  the  oratory  and  went  toward 
the  fig-tree.  She  addressed  a  prayer  to  God  the  most  high 
and  worthy  of  all  praise,  in  these  terms: 

"  O  God,  I  beseech  thee,  give  me  a  refuge  in  this  tree,  for 
thy  servant,  O  Lord,  is  ashamed  to  look  upon  the  faces  of  these 
infidels." 

Then  by  the  will  of  God  the  most  high,  the  tree  opened  in 
two  and  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam  entered  by  the  split, 
and  the  tree  closed  and  became  as  it  was  before.  The  King 
Chah  Djouhou  and  Asraf-el-Kaum  arrived  at  the  oratory,  but 


132 


MALAYAN    LITERATURE 


the  prince  saw  nothing  of  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam. 
He  was  astonished  and  said: 

"  O  Asraf-el-Kaum,  the  woman  has  gone.  But  just  a 
moment  ago  I  saw  her  from  afar,  seated  at  the  oratory,  and 
now  she  has  suddenly  disappeared."  The  prince  added :  "  O 
Asraf-el-Kaum,  perhaps,  as  with  the  prophet  Zachariah  (upon 
whom  be  blessings!),  her  prayer  has  been  answered  and  she 
has  entered  this  tree." 

Then  he  offered  this  prayer  to  God  the  most  high  and  worthy, 
of  all  praise :  "  O  God,  if  thou  wilt  permit  that  this  woman 
be  united  to  thy  servant,  then  grant  her  to  him." 

The  prayer  of  the  King  Chah  Djouhou  was  heard,  and  a 
woman  of  dazzling  beauty  appeared  before  his  eyes.  He  de- 
sired to  seize  her,  but  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam  pro- 
nounced these  words :  "  Beware  of  touching  me,  for  I  am  a 
true  believer."  Hearing  these  words  the  King  Chah  Djouhou 
drew  back,  a  little  ashamed.    Then  he  said: 

"  Woman,  what  is  your  country  ?  Whose  child  are  you, 
and  what  is  your  name  ?  " 

The  princess  answered :  "  For  a  long  time  I  have  dwelt 
here,  and  I  have  no  father  nor  mother.  My  name  is  Djouher- 
Manikam." 

The  King,  hearing  these  words  of  the  princess  Djouher- 
Manikam,  took  oflf  his  cloak  and  gave  it  to  the  princess,  who 
covered  all  her  body  with  it.  Then  she  got  up  and  descended 
to  the  ground.  Then  King  Chah  Djouhou,  dismounting  from 
his  horse,  received  her,  put  her  on  his  horse,  and  took  her  to 
the  country  of  Damas. 

Asraf-el-Kaum  then  said  to  the  King :  "  O  my  lord,  sov- 
ereign of  the  world,  you  made  a  promise  to  your  servant.  Be 
not  careless  nor  forgetful,  my  lord." 

"  Asraf-el-Kaum,  be  not  disturbed.  I  will  fulfil  my  promise 
to  you.  If  it  pleases  God,  when  I  have  arrived  in  our  own 
country,  I  shall  certainly  give  you  all  that  I  promised  you." 
King  Chah  Djouhou  set  out  for  the  country  of  Damas. 

After  a  certain  time  on  the  way,  the  prince  came  to  the  city 
of  Damas  and  entered  his  palace.  He  commanded  one  of  his 
pages  to  summon  the  cadi,  and  a  page  went  promptly  to  call 
him.  The  latter,  in  all  haste,  entered  the  presence  of  the  King. 
Chah  Djouhou  said:     "O  cadi,  marry  me  to  the  princess 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  133 

Djouher-Manikam."  And  the  cadi  married  them.  After  the 
celebration  of  the  marriage  the  prince  Chah  Djouhou  gave 
to  Asraf-el-Kaum  1,000  dinars  and  some  of  his  slaves,  both 
men  and  women.  King  Djouhou  and  Princess  Djouher- 
Manikam  were  happy  and  full  of  tenderness  for  each  other. 
Within  a  few  years  the  princess  had  two  sons,  both  very  beau- 
tiful. The  prince  loved  these  children  very  fondly.  But 
above  all  he  loved  his  wife.  He  was  full  of  tender  solicitude 
for  her,  and  bore  himself  with  regard  to  her  with  the  same 
careful  atention  that  a  man  uses  who  carries  oil  in  the  hollow 
of  his  hand.  Some  time  later  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  had 
another  son  of  great  beauty.  The  prince  loved  this  third  child 
tenderly.  He  gave  him  a  great  number  of  nurses  and  gov- 
ernesses, as  is  the  custom  for  the  children  of  the  greatest  kings. 
And  he  never  ceased  to  bestow  upon  him  the  most  watchful 
care. 

It  happened  one  day  that  the  ministers,  the  chiefs,  and  the 
courtiers  of  the  King,  all  gathered  in  his  presence,  were  en- 
joying all  sorts  of  sport  and  amusements.  The  prince  showed 
himself  very  joyous,  and  the  princess  herself  played  and 
amused  herself  with  the  three  children.  Her  countenance 
shone  with  the  brightness  of  rubies;  but  happening  to  think 
of  her  father,  her  mother,  and  her  brother,  she  began  to  weep 
and  said :  "  Alas,  how  unhappy  I  am !  If  my  father,  mother, 
and  brother  could  see  my  three  children,  necessarily  their 
affection  for  me  would  be  greater."  And  the  princess  Djouher- 
Manikam  burst  into  sobs.  The  prince,  who  was  not  far  from 
there,  heard  her,  and  as  the  princess  did  not  stop  weeping  he 
asked  her :  "  O  princess,  why  do  you  weep  thus  ?  What  do 
I  lack  in  your  eyes  ?  Is  it  riches  or  physical  beauty  or  noble 
birth?  Or  is  it  the  spirit  of  justice?  Tell  me  what  is  the 
cause  of  your  tears  ?  " 

Princess  Djouher-Manikam  answered:  Sovereign  of  the 
world,  your  Majesty  has  not  a  single  fault.  Your  riches  equal 
those  of  Haroun.  Your  beauty  equals  that  of  the  prophet 
Joseph  (peace  be  upon  him!).  Your  extraction  equals  that 
of  the  envoy  of  God  (Mahomet).  May  the  benediction  of  God 
and  blessings  rest  upon  him!  Your  justice  equals  that  of 
King  Rouchirouan.  I  don't  see  a  single  fault  in  you,  my 
lord." 


134  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

King  Chah  Djouhou  said :  "  If  it  is  thus,  why  then  does 
my  princess  shed  tears  ?  " 

Princess  Djouher-Manikam  answered :  "If  I  wept  thus 
while  playing  with  my  three  children,  it  is  because  I  thought 
that  if  my  father,  my  mother,  and  my  brother  should  see  my 
three  children,  necessarily  their  affection  for  me  would  be 
greater.     And  that  is  why  I  shed  tears." 

King  Chah  Djouhou  said  to  her :  "  O  my  young  wife,  dear 
princess,  are  your  father  and  mother  still  living?  What  is 
your  father's  name  ?  " 

Princess  Djouher-Manikam  answered,  "  O  my  lord,  my 
father  is  named  Haroun-er-Raschid,  King  of  Bagdad." 

Clasping  her  in  his  arms  and  kissing  her,  the  prince  asked 
her :  "  Why,  until  this  day  have  you  not  told  the  truth  to 
your  husband  ?  " 

And  the  princess  answered :  "  I  wished  to  avow  the  truth, 
but  perhaps  my  lord  would  not  have  had  faith.  It  is  on  ac- 
count of  the  children  that  I  tell  the  truth." 

King  Chah  Djouhou  answered :  "  Since  it  is  so,  it  is  fitting 
that  we  should  start,  and  make  a  visit  upon  King  Haroun-er- 
Raschid." 

He  called  his  ministers,  ordered  them  to  make  all  the 
preparations,  and  commanded  them  to  place  in  order  ingots 
of  gold  and  ingots  of  silver  on  which  were  graven  the  name 
of  King  Haroun-er-Raschid;  and  his  ministers'  vestments 
woven  of  goats'  hair  and  fine  wool,  stuffs  of  price,  many  kinds 
of  superb  precious  stones  of  various  colors,  formed  the  burden 
of  forty  camels,  which  bore  these  presents  to  the  King,  his 
father-in-law,  in  the  city  of  Bagdad. 

During  the  night  Princess  Djouher  thought  in  her  heart: 
"  If  the  two  kings  meet,  there  will  necessarily  be  discord,  and 
at  the  end  separation."  Having  thus  thought  she  said  to  her 
husband :  "  O  sovereign  of  the  world,  do  not  set  out  at  the 
same  time  with  me,  for  in  my  opinion  the  meeting  of  the  two 
kings  would  have  as  a  final  result  a  disagreement.  Permit 
me  therefore  to  start  first  with  the  three  children,  that  I  may 
present  them  to  my  father  and  mother.  Give  the  command 
to  conduct  me  to  the  country  of  Bagdad,  near  my  father,  to 
whomsoever  you  shall  judge  worthy  of  your  confidence  for 
this  mission." 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  135 

When  the  prince  heard  these  words  of  the  princess  whom 
he  loved  so  tenderly  and  whose  wishes  he  granted,  he  ordered 
his  ministers  and  chiefs  to  arrange  the  transport  of  the  prin- 
cess and  her  children.  Addressing  the  ministers  he  said  as 
follows :  "  O  you  my  ministers,  whom  among  you  can  I 
charge  to  conduct  safely  my  wife  and  three  children  to  Bag- 
dad, near  their  ancestor  King  Haroun-er-Raschid  ? " 

No  one  among  them  dared  approach  and  speak.  All  held 
silence.  Then  the  prince,  addressing  the  oldest  minister  of  all, 
said: 

"  O  my  minister,  it  is  you  to  whom,  following  the  dictates 
of  my  heart,  I  can  trust  to  accompany  my  wife  and  three  chil- 
dren. For  I  have  always  found  you  loyal  and  faithful  to  me. 
Beside,  you  are  older  than  the  other  ministers.  And  you  have 
the  fear  of  God  the  most  high  and  worthy  of  all  praise  as  well 
as  respect  for  your  King." 

The  minister  said :  "  O  my  lord,  it  is  in  all  sincerity  that 
your  servant  puts  above  his  head  the  commands  of  your 
Majesty.  I  shall  do  my  whole  duty  in  conducting  the  princess 
and  her  children  to  the  King  Haroun-er-Raschid." 

So  the  King  Chah  Djouhou  trusted  his  wife  and  his  three 
children  to  this  perfidious  minister,  reposing  upon  the  promise 
he  had  made.  Forty  camels  were  laden  with  presents,  forty 
nurses  for  the  children,  one  hundred  ladies  in  the  suite  of  the 
princess,  a  thousand  cavaliers,  well  armed  and  well  equipped, 
formed  the  escort.  The  princess  took  leave  of  her  husband. 
He  held  her  clasped  in  his  arms,  and,  weeping,  covered  her 
and  his  three  children  with  kisses.  He  bade  her  to  present  his 
homage  to  her  father  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid,  his  salu- 
tations to  her  elder  brother  Minbah-Chahaz,  and  to  place  at 
the  feet  of  their  majesties  a  thousand  and  a  thousand  apologies, 
and  to  make  his  excuses  to  her  brother  Minbah-Chahaz. 
Then  the  prince  said  to  the  wicked  minister : 

"  O  my  minister,  you  must  go  now,  and  lead  the  camel  of 
my  wife,  for  I  have  perfect  confidence  in  you.  Above  all, 
guard  her  well." 

But  the  King  did  not  lean  upon  God  the  most  high  and 
worthy  of  all  praise,  and  that  is  why  God  punished  him. 

When  the  prince  had  finished  speaking  to  the  minister  the 
latter  said :     "  O  my  lord.  King  of  the  world,  your  servant 


136  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

bears  your  command  on  his  head."  So  the  cavalcade  started 
on  the  march.  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  mounted  her 
camel  with  her  three  children.  A  body-guard  held  the  van. 
She  proceeded  accompanied  by  the  wretched  minister  and  all 
the  escort,  wending  from  day  to  day  toward  the  city  of  Bag- 
dad. They  had  reached  one  of  the  halting-places  when  day 
was  turning  into  night.  The  minister  then  erected  a  tent 
so  that  the  princess  might  repose  in  it.  The  people  put  up 
their  tents  all  about.  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  dismounted 
from  her  camel  and  entered  the  tent,  with  her  three  children. 
The  tents  of  the  nurses  and  ladies-in-waiting  surrounded  the 
tent  of  the  princess  in  a  circle.  In  the  middle  of  the  night 
a  violent  rain  began  to  fall.  Then  the  wretched  minister, 
stirred  by  Satan,  was  stirred  in  his  heart.  He  thought :  "  The 
King's  wife  is  most  beautiful;  beautiful,  indeed,  as  her  name, 
Djouher-Manikam.     I  must  marry  her." 

So  the  rebel  minister  started,  and  entered  the  tent  of  the 
princess,  and  asked  her  to  marry  him.  He  found  her  seated 
by  her  three  children,  occupied  in  chasing  away  the  mosqui- 
toes. When  the  princess  saw  him  enter  her  tent  she  asked 
him :  "  O  my  minister,  what  brings  you  to  my  tent  at  this 
hour  in  the  middle  of  the  night  ?  " 

The  minister  answered,  "  I  have  come  to  beg  you  to  marry 
me. 

The  princess  then  said :  "  Is  that  what  brings  you  here  ? 
And  it  was  to  you  that  the  King  intrusted  me  on  account  of 
your  great  age,  and  as  if  you  were  my  father.  It  was  in  you 
that  he  put  all  his  confidence  that  you  would  take  us  safely, 
me  and  my  children,  to  my  venerable  father,  King  Haroun-er- 
Raschid.  What  must  be  your  nature,  that  you  should  so  be- 
tray his  trust  ?  " 

The  wretched  minister  replied :  "  If  you  refuse  to  marry 
me,  I  will  kill  your  children." 

"  Never,"  said  the  princess,  "  never  shall  I  consent  to  marry 
you.  And  if  you  kill  my  children,  what  can  I  do  against  the 
decree  of  God,  save  to  invoke  his  name  ?  " 

The  minister  killed  one  of  the  children.  When  it  was  dead, 
he  made  the  same  demand  on  the  princess  for  the  second  time, 
and  she  answered :     "  Never  shall  I  consent  to  marry  you." 

The  minister  said :  "  If  you  refuse,  I  shall  kill  another  of 
your  children." 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  137 

The  Princess  Djouher-Manikam  answered :  "  If  you  slay 
my  child,  it  is  by  the  decree  of  God,  and  I  submit  to  his  will.'* 

The  minister  killed  the  second  child. 

"  No,"  repeated  the  princess.  "  Never  shall  I  consent  to 
wed  you." 

The  wretched  minister  said :  "  Then  I  will  kill  your  third 
child." 

"  If  you  kill  him,  what  can  I  do  but  to  submit  to  the 
will  of  God,  and  invoke  his  name  ?  "  The  third  son  of  the 
King  was  killed. 

Questioned  anew,  the  princess  said  again,  "  Never  shall  I 
marry  you." 

And  the  wicked  minister  said :  "  If  you  will  not  marry  me, 
I  will  kill  you,  too." 

Then  the  princess  thought  in  her  heart :  "  If  I  do  not  ap- 
pear to  yield,  he  will  kill  me,  too,  without  a  doubt.  I  must 
employ  a  trick."  Then  she  said :  "  Await  me  here,  until  I 
wash  from  my  clothes  and  my  body  the  stains  of  my  children's 
blood." 

The  minister  accursed  of  God  replied :  "  Very  well.  I 
await  you  here." 

Then  the  princess  Djouher  went  out  of  her  tent.  The  rain 
was  falling  in  torrents.  The  princess,  fleeing  precipitately, 
walked  during  the  whole  night,  not  knowing  where  she  was 
going.  She  had  walked  many  hours  when  day  broke.  The 
princess  arrived  thus  near  a  tree  in  the  midst  of  the  plain,  and, 
having  measured  its  height  with  her  eyes,  she  climbed  into  it. 
At  this  moment  there  passed  along  the  road  a  merchant  who 
had  made  his  sales  and  was  returning  to  the  city  of  Bassrah. 
His  name  was  Biyapri.  Passing  beneath  the  tree  he  raised 
his  eyes  and  beheld  a  woman  seated  in  the  tree. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  he  said ;  "  are  you  woman  or  djinn  ?  " 

"  I  am  neither  demon  nor  djinn,  but  a  descendant  of  the 
prophet  of  God  (may  blessings  rest  upon  him) ,  a  disciple  of  the 
prophet  Mahomet,  envoy  of  God." 

Biyapri  climbed  up  the  tree,  put  her  on  his  camel,  and  tak- 
ing up  his  journey  conducted  her  to  the  country  of  Bassrah. 
Arriving  at  his  house  he  desired  to  marry  her.  But  she  put 
him  off  saying :  "  Wait,  for  I  have  made  a  solemn  vow  before 
God  not  to  look  upon  the  face  of  a  man  for  forty  days.    When 


138  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

the  time  expires,  that  will  be  possible.  But  if  these  forty  days 
have  not  yet  run  I  should  surely  die."  So  Biyapri  installed 
her  on  his  latticed  roof  and  lavished  attention  and  care  upon 
her. 

Immediately  after  the  flight  of  the  princess  Djouher-Mani- 
kam  the  minister  commanded  the  whole  escort  to  return  and 
present  itself  to  the  King  Chah  Djouhou.  He  said  to  his 
people :  "  O  all  your  servants  of  the  Queen,  see  what  has  been 
her  conduct.  Her  three  children  are  dead,  and  it  is  she  who 
killed  them.  After  that  she  disappeared.  Where  has  she 
taken  refuge  ?  Nobody  in  the  world  knows  that.  As  for  you, 
depart,  bear  the  bodies  of  his  three  children  to  King  Chah 
Djouhou,  and  tell  him  all  the  circumstances." 

Arriving  in  the  presence  of  the  King,  they  reported  all  the 
circumstances  of  the  minister's  treachery  toward  the  princess, 
and  the  murder  of  his  three  children.  They  added  that  the 
minister  had  departed,  leaving  word  that  he  had  gone  to  find 
the  princess,  and  had  taken  with  him  his  own  three  sons,  forty 
soldiers,  and  the  treasure. 

When  the  prince  had  heard  these  words  he  was  struck  with 
a  stupor.  But  his  sorrow  at  having  let  the  princess  go  with- 
out him  was  useless.  He  caused  the  three  young  princes  to 
be  buried.  The  King  shed  tears,  and  all  the  people  of  the 
household  filled  the  air  with  cries  and  sobs,  so  that  the  noise 
seemed  like  the  bursts  of  thunder,  while  the  funeral  ceremonies 
were  proceeding  according  to  the  customs  of  the  greatest 
kings.  After  that  the  King  descended  from  his  royal  throne 
and  became  a  dervish,  the  better  to  seek  in  all  lands  his  well- 
beloved  spouse.  He  had  with  him  three  slaves  only.  One 
of  them  was  named  Hestri. 

"  Go,"  he  said  to  him,  "  go  seek  your  mistress  in  all  coun- 
tries."    And  he  gave  him  a  horse  and  some  provisions. 

Hestri  said :  "  May  your  Majesty  be  happy !  O  lord, 
King  of  the  world,  whatever  be  your  commands,  your  servant 
places  them  upon  his  head."  Hestri  bowed  low,  then  mounted 
his  horse  and  rode  away  toward  the  city  of  Bassrah. 

After  proceeding  some  time  he  reached  Bassrah,  and  passed 
by  the  house  of  Biyapri.  At  this  very  moment  the  princess 
Djouher-Manikam  was  sitting  on  the  roof  of  Biyapri's  house. 
She  looked  attentively  at  the  face  of  Hestri  as  he  was  passing 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  139 

by  the  house  and  called  to  him  saying :  "  Hestri,  what  brings 
you  here  ? " 

Hestri,  casting  his  glance  toward  the  roof,  saw  the  princess 
Djouher-Manikam  and  said  to  her :  "  I  was  sent  by  your  hus- 
band to  seek  you,  princess." 

She  replied :  "  Go  away,  for  the  present.  Come  back 
when  it  is  night.  As  it  is  broad  daylight  now  I  fear  lest 
Biyapri  should  discover  our  departure." 

Hestri,  bowing  low,  replied,  **  Very  well,  princess."  He 
walked  here  and  there,  waiting  till  night  should  come.  When 
it  was  dark  he  returned  to  the  house  of  Biyapri  and  waited  a 
few  minutes.     Then  he  called  the  princess. 

"  Wait,"  she  said,  "  for  Biyapri  is  still  watching."  Hestri 
stooped  down,  and  fell  asleep  near  Biyapri's  house,  having 
first  of  all  tied  the  bridle  of  the  horse  to  his  girdle. 

The  princess  Djouher-Manikam  descended  from  the  roof, 
and  mounted  the  horse  while  Hestri  was  yet  sleeping.  She 
sat  on  the  horse  waiting  till  Hestri  should  awake.  But  an 
-(Ethiopian  robber,  who  had  come  to  rob  the  storehouse  of 
Biyapri,  saw  the  horse  whose  bridle  was  attached  to  the  belt 
of  Hestri.  He  unfastened  the  bridle  and  led  the  horse  to  the 
middle  of  the  plain.  In  the  mind  of  the  princess  it  was  Hestri 
who  was  thus  leading  the  horse.  But  the  moon  having  risen, 
the  Ethiopian  saw  seated  upon  the  horse  a  woman  of  a  strik- 
ing and  marvellous  beauty.  The  heart  of  the  Ethiopian  was 
filled  with  joy.    He  said  in  his  heart : 

**  For  a  very  long  time  have  I  been  stealing  riches.  Truly, 
I  have  acquired  no  small  store  of  jewels,  pearls,  precious 
stones,  gold  and  silver,  and  magnificent  vestments  of  all  sorts. 
But  all  that  is  nothing  in  comparison  with  the  marvel  I  have 
just  now  found  and  who  will  become  my  wife,  the  light  of  my 
eyes,  and  the  fruit  of  my  heart.  Now  shall  I  enjoy  in  peace 
the  happiness  of  having  such  a  wife." 

The  house  of  the  ^Ethiopian  robber  was  seated  on  the  top 
of  a  hill.  He  conducted  the  princess  thither,  showed  her  all 
it  contained,  and  gave  it  to  her,  saying :  "  O  my  future  bride, 
it  is  to  you  that  all  which  this  house  contains  belongs.  Make 
use  of  it  according  to  your  good  pleasure."  The  princess  said, 
"  First  of  all,  be  tranquil."  And  she  thought  in  her  heart : 
"This  is  my  destiny.     First  I  was  with  Biyapri,  and  now  I 


I40  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  an  ^Ethiopian  robber.  It  is  by 
the  will  of  God  that  this  has  happened  to  his  servant."  The 
.Ethiopian  robber  was  bent  on  having  the  marriage  celebrated 
at  once,  but  the  princess  said :  '*  I  cannot  be  married  now,  for 
I  have  made  a  vow  to  God  the  most  high  not  to  see  the  face 
of  a  man  for  three  days." 

The  Ethiopian  robber  desired  to  drink,  and  said :  "  Come, 
let  us  drink  together." 

"  In  my  opinion,"  observed  the  princess,  "  if  we  begin  to 
drink  both  together  you  will  become  heavy  with  wine,  and 
I,  too.  Then  they  will  take  me  far  from  you  and  kill  you. 
Come,  I  will  fill  your  cup  and  you  shall  drink  first.  When 
you  have  drunk  enough,  then  I  will  drink  in  my  turn,  and  you 
shall  fill  my  cup." 

The  ^Ethiopian  robber  was  very  joyful  at  these  words  of 
the  princess.  "  What  you  say  is  true,"  said  he.  He  received 
with  great  pleasure  the  cup  from  the  hands  of  the  princess 
and  drank.  After  emptying  the  cup  many  times  he  fell  down 
in  the  stupor  of  intoxication,  losing  his  senses  and  becoming 
like  a  dead  man.  The  princess  Djouher-Manikam  put  on  a 
magnificent  costume  of  a  man,  and  adding  a  weapon  some- 
thing like  a  kandjar,  went  out  of  the  house.  Then  mounting 
her  horse  she  rode  forward  quickly  and  came  to  the  foot  of 
the  hill.  She  directed  her  course  toward  the  country  of  Roum, 
and  continuing  her  journey  from  forest  to  forest,  and  from 
plain  to  plain,  she  reached  the  gate  of  the  fortifications  of  the 
city  of  Roum  at  the  moment  when  the  King  of  that  country 
had  just  died. 

When  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam  had  arrived  outside 
the  fortifications  of  Roum,  she  sat  down  in  the  baley,  near  the 
fort.  She  was  marvellously  beautiful,  and  her  vestments,  all 
sparkling  with  gold,  were  adorned  with  precious  stones, 
pearls,  and  rubies.  A  man  happening  to  pass  by  saw  her,  and 
was  seized  with  astonishment  and  admiration.  For  in  the 
country  of  Roum  there  was  nobody  who  could  compare  with 
this  young  man,  so  handsome  and  so  magnificently  attired. 
He  asked: 

"  Whence  come  you  and  why  did  you  come  here  ?  " 

The  princess  answered :  "  I  know  not  the  place  where  I 
am  at  this  moment.    I  came  from  the  city  of  Damas." 


THE  PRINCESS   DJOUHER-MANIKAM  141 

This  citizen  of  Roum  took  leave  and  went  away  to  present 
himself  to  the  vezir  and  tell  what  he  had  seen.  The  vezir, 
having  heard  him,  went  out  promptly  to  find  the  young  man. 
As  soon  as  he  had  approached  him  and  had  seen  his  remark- 
able beauty  and  his  splendid  vestments  decorated  with  pre- 
cious stones,  pearls,  and  rubies,  the  vezir  seated  himself  by 
him  and  said  : 

"  Young  man,  whence  do  you  come,  and  why  did  you  come 
to  this  land?" 

The  princess  answered :  "  I  wish  to  travel  through  the  world 
for  my  pleasure.    That  is  my  will." 

The  vezir  replied :  "  Would  you  like  to  have  us  make  you 
King  of  this  country  ?  "  The  princess  replied :  "  For  what  rea- 
son should  I  wish  to  be  king  in  this  country  ?  And  by  what 
means  could  it  be  achieved  ?  " 

The  vezir  replied :   "  Our  King  is  dead." 

"  Is  there  no  child  ?  "  asked  the  princess. 

"  The  King  has  left  a  child,"  answered  the  vezir,  "  but 
he  is  still  very  little,  and  incapable  of  governing  his  subjects. 
That  is  why  we  will  make  you  King  of  this  country." 

The  princess  Djouher-Manikam  answered:  "Why  not? 
What  prevents?  If  you  all  will  follow  my  counsel  I  will  ac- 
cept the  throne  of  this  country." 

The  ministers  said,  "  And  why  should  we  not  follow  the 
commands  of  my  lord  ?  " 

The  vezir  conducted  her  to  the  palace.  All  the  ministers 
of  state  and  the  high  officers  assembled  to  proclaim  as  their 
king  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam.  That  done,  the  princess 
took  the  name  of  Radja  Chah  Djouhou. 

After  reigning  some  time  her  spirit  of  justice  and  her  per- 
fect equity  in  the  government  of  her  subjects  rendered  her 
name  celebrated  in  all  the  foreign  countries.  Radja  Chah 
Djouhou  said  to  her  minister : 

"  O  minister,  have  built  for  me  a  baley  outside  the  fort." 
And  the  ministers  and  the  officers  commanded  them  in  haste 
to  construct  the  baley.  As  soon  as  it  was  built  they  came  to 
announce  it  to  the  King.    The  latter  said : 

"  O  my  vezir,  is  there  in  my  kingdom  a  man  who  knows 
how  to  paint  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  there  is  a  very  skilful 
painter  here." 


142  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

"  Let  him  come  to  me.'* 

''  Immediately,  my  lord,"  said  the  vezir,  and  he  ordered  a 
slave  to  go  and  summon  the  painter.  The  painter  came  in  all 
haste  and  entered  the  presence  of  Radja  Chah  Djouhou,  bow- 
ing his  head  to  the  floor.    The  prince  said  to  him : 

"  O  painter,  have  you  a  daughter  who  knows  how  to 
paint?" 

The  painter  answered :  "  Yes,  my  lord,  king  of  the  world, 
I  have  a  daughter  very  skilful  in  the  art  of  painting." 

"  Tell  your  child  to  come  here." 

The  painter  bowed  again  and  went  to  find  his  daughter. 
"  O  my  child,"  he  said,  "  the  fruit  of  my  heart,  come,  the  King 
calls  you." 

Then  the  painter's  daughter  quickly  set  out,  accompanied 
by  her  father.  They  together  entered  the  presence  of  the 
King,  who  was  still  surrounded  by  his  ministers  and  his  offi- 
cers. The  painter  and  his  daughter  bowed  their  heads  to  the 
floor.    The  prince  said : 

"  Painter,  is  this  your  daughter  ?  " 

"  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  yes,  this  is  my  daughter." 

"  Come  with  me  into  the  interior  of  the  palace."  And  at 
the  same  time  the  prince  started  and  entered  his  apartments, 
followed  by  the  daughter  of  the  painter.  He  led  the  way  to  a 
retired  place,  and  said :  "  My  daughter,  make  my  portrait,  I 
pray  you,  and  try  to  have  the  resemblance  good."  Then  the 
princess  Djouher-Manikam  clothed  herself  in  woman's  rai- 
ment, and  in  this  costume  she  was  ravishingly  beautiful.  That 
done,  she  commanded  the  artist  to  paint  her  thus.  She  suc- 
ceeded perfectly  and  the  portrait  was  a  remarkable  likeness, 
for  the  daughter  of  the  painter  was  very  skilful.  When  her 
work  was  finished  she  received  a  large  sum  in  gold.  The 
prince  said  to  her : 

"  Come,  sister,  let  this  remain  a  secret.  Reveal  it  not  to 
anyone  in  the  world.  If  you  tell  it  I  will  slay  you,  with  your 
father  and  your  mother." 

The  daughter  of  the  painter  said :  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the 
world,  how  could  your  servant  disobey  your  Majesty's  com- 
mands ?  "    She  bowed  low,  and  asked  permission  to  go  home. 

Radja  Chah  Djouhou,  in  the  presence  of  his  ministers  and 
his  subjects,  said  to  the  vizier:  "  O  vizier,  place  this  portrait 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  143 

in  the  baley  outside  the  fort,  and  have  it  guarded  by  forty  men. 
If  anyone  coming  to  this  portrait  begins  to  weep  or  kiss  it, 
seize  him  and  bring  him  before  me."  The  portrait  hung  in 
the  baley,  and  the  vezir  ordered  an  officer  to  guard  it  with 
forty  soldiers. 

When  the  Ethiopian  robber  came  out  of  his  drunken  slum- 
ber he  saw  that  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam  was  no  longer 
in  his  house.  So  he  went  out-of-doors  weeping,  and  took  up 
his  journey,  going  from  country  to  country  until  he  arrived 
at  the  city  of  Roum.  There  he  saw  a  baley,  and  hanging  there 
a  portrait  which  bore  a  perfect  resemblance  to  the  princess 
Djouher-Manikam.  Quickly  he  climbed  to  the  baley,  and, 
holding  the  portrait  in  his  arms,  he  wept  and  covered  it  with 
kisses. 

"  O  unhappy  man  that  I  am !  Here  is  the  portrait  of  my 
well-beloved  for  whom  I  was  seeking.    Where  can  she  be  ?  " 

The  guards  of  the  baley,  seeing  the  act  of  the  Ethiopian, 
seized  him  and  bore  him  before  the  King.  They  told  the 
deed. 

The  prince  said :  "  ^Ethiopian  robber,  why  did  you  act  thus 
in  reference  to  this  picture  ?  " 

The  ^Ethiopian  answered :  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world, 
I  ask  you  a  thousand  and  a  thousand  pardons.  Your  servant 
will  tell  the  truth.  If  they  kill  me  I  shall  die ;  if  they  hang  me 
I  shall  be  lifted  very  high ;  if  they  sell  me  I  shall  be  carried 
very  far  away.  O  king  of  the  world,  hear  the  words  of  your 
humble  slave.  A  certain  night  I  had  started  out  to  rob.  I 
found  a  horse,  and  on  its  back  there  was  a  woman  of  the  most 
marvellous  beauty.  I  took  her  to  my  house.  I  fell  asleep  in 
my  cups.  My  beloved  one  disappeared.  I  became  mad,  and 
so  it  is,  O  king  of  the  world,  that  your  slave  came  to  the  fort 
and  saw  the  portrait  hanging  at  the  baley.  This  portrait  is  the 
faithful  picture  of  my  well-beloved.    That  is  why  I  weep." 

The  prince  said :  "  O  my  vezir,  let  this  man  be  carefully 
guarded.  Treat  him  well  and  give  him  plenty  to  eat."  On 
the  other  hand,  Biyapri,  after  forty  days,  mounting  the  roof, 
saw  that  the  princess  Djouher  was  no  longer  there.  He  be- 
came mad,  abandoned  his  house  and  all  his  wealth,  and,  be- 
coming a  dervish,  went  from  country  to  country  seeking  the 
princess  Djouher-Manikam,  without  ever  finding  her.     Com- 


144  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

ing  to  the  country  of  Roum  he  saw  the  baley  situated  out- 
side the  fort,  and  stopped  there.  Then  he  saw  the  portrait, 
and,  observing  it  with  the  closest  attention,  he  began  to  weep. 
Then  he  took  it  in  his  arms  and  covered  it  with  kisses. 

"  Alas,  my  well-beloved !  "  he  cried,  **  here  indeed  is  your 
picture,  but  where  can  I  find  you  ?  "  He  was  immediately 
seized  by  the  guard  and  led  before  the  King  of  Roum. 

"  Biyapri,"  said  the  prince,  "  whence  do  you  come,  and  why 
did  you  act  thus?  "  Biyapri  answered:  **  O  my  lord,  king  of 
the  world,  your  slave  asks  pardon  a  thousand  and  a  thousand 
times.  I  will  tell  the  whole  truth.  If  they  kill  me,  I  shall  die ; 
if  they  hang  me,  I  shall  be  lifted  very  high ;  if  they  sell  me,  I 
shall  be  taken  very  far  away.  When  I  was  engaged  in  com- 
merce I  passed  under  a  tree,  and  saw  that  in  this  tree  there 
was  a  woman  of  the  most  marvellous  beauty.  I  took  her  and 
carried  her  to  the  city  of  Bassrah  and  installed  her  on  the  roof 
of  my  storehouse.  A  certain  night  she  disappeared  without 
my  knowing  where  she  had  gone.  Then,  O  king  of  the  world, 
I  became  as  one  mad  and  left  my  native  land.  Arriving  at 
the  country  of  Roum  I  saw  a  baley  outside  the  fort  and  came 
to  sit  down  there.  Then,  my  lord,  I  saw  the  portrait  hanging 
at  the  baley.  It  exactly  resembles  my  beloved,  whom  I  lost. 
I  pressed  it  in  my  arms  and  covered  it  with  kisses.  Such  is 
the  truth,  O  king  of  the  world." 

The  prince  then  said  to  his  minister :  "  O  minister,  let  this 
man  be  carefully  guarded  and  give  him  food  and  clothes." 

The  King  of  Damas,  after  abdicating  the  throne,  had  left 
his  kingdom,  and  in  the  costume  of  a  dervish  had  started  to 
travel  through  the  different  countries.  Arriving  at  Roum,  the 
King  Chah  Djouhou  saw  a  baley  situated  outside  of  the  fort, 
and  went  to  sit  down  near  it.  The  prince  looking  closely  at 
the  portrait,  which  was  exactly  like  the  princess  Djouher- 
Manikam,  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears  and  exclaimed : 

"  Alas !  Fruit  of  my  heart,  my  well-beloved,  light  of  my 
eyes!  It  is,  indeed,  your  picture.  But  you,  whom  I  seek,  oh, 
where  are  you  ?  " 

Speaking  thus,  the  prince  took  the  portrait  in  his  arms  and 
covered  it  with  kisses.  Seeing  this,  the  guards  of  the  baley 
seized  him  and  carried  him  before  the  King. 

The  King  said  to  him :  "  My  lord,  whence  do  you  come  ? 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  145 

How  have  you  wandered  into  this  country  ?  And  why  did  you 
behave  thus  about  my  portrait  ?  " 

The  King  Chah  Djouhou  answered :  "  Know  that  my  wife, 
who  is  named  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  has  disappeared 
far  from  me.  It  is  for  that  reason  that  I  have  left  my  king- 
dom, and  that  I,  dressed  as  a  dervish,  have  walked  from  coun- 
try to  country,  from  plain  to  plain,  from  village  to  village, 
seeking  her  whom  I  have  never  been  able  to  find.  But  ar- 
riving in  your  Majesty's  country  I  saw  hanging  at  the  haley 
that  portrait,  which  is  of  a  striking  resemblance  to  my 
wife.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  I  wept  in  contemplating  this 
picture." 

The  princess  smiled,  and  at  the  same  time  her  heart  was 
softened  at  seeing  the  conduct  of  her  husband.  She  said  to 
her  prime  minister :  "  O  my  minister,  I  confide  this  person  to 
your  care.  Treat  him  worthily,  give  him  the  best  of  food  and 
a  suite  of  attendants.    He  is  the  King  of  Damas." 

The  minister  therefore,  by  command  of  the  princess,  de- 
parted and  conducted  the  King  of  Damas  to  a  fine  house,  fur- 
nished and  equipped  according  to  the  needs  of  kings. 

The  minister  took  all  the  riches  which  had  been  iritended 
as  presents  for  the  King  Haroun-er-Raschid.  The  ingots  of 
gold  and  of  silver,  the  rich  garments  in  fine  stuffs  of  the  coun- 
try of  Rouzoungga,  as  well  as  the  vestments  of  the  princess 
Djouher-Manikam  and  of  her  three  children,  were  transported 
and  sold  in  the  city  of  Bagdad.  But  the  King  Haroun-er- 
Raschid,  seeing  that  his  name  and  that  of  his  daughter,  the 
princess  Djouher-Manikam,  were  graven  on  these  ingots  of 
gold  and  silver,  seized  all  these  riches. 

The  minister  of  the  country  of  Damas  said,  "  These  riches 
are  mine." 

On  his  side  the  King  Haroun-er-Raschid  said:  "These 
riches  are  mine,  for  my  name  and  that  of  my  child  are  en- 
graved on  these  ingots  of  gold  and  silver." 

The  minister  said,  "  Since  your  Majesty  declares  that  these 
treasures  are  yours,  we  must  try  this  case  in  a  court  of  jus- 
tice." 

The  King  of  Bagdad  answered :  "  It  is  well.  We  will  go 
wherever  you  wish." 

"  Very  well,"  said  the  minister ;  "  let  us  go  then  before  the 
10 


146  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

King  of  the  country  of  Roum.  That  prince  has  the  reputation 
of  being  extremely  just.    Each  of  us  shall  plead  his  cause." 

The  prince  answered:  "  It  is  well."  The  minister  replied: 
"  O  king  of  the  world,  let  us  start  without  delay." 

So  the  King  Haroun-er-Raschid  set  out  with  his  son  Min- 
bah-Chahaz,  his  chief  warrior,  and  his  soldiers.  The  cadi  ac- 
companied the  prince.  On  his  side,  the  minister  of  the  coun- 
try of  Damas  started,  accompanied  by  his  three  sons  and 
forty  soldiers  of  the  country  of  Damas.  After  proceeding 
some  time,  they  arrived  at  the  city  of  Roum  and  entered  the 
fortifications.  Each  one  of  them  presented  himself  before  the 
King  and  pleaded  his  cause. 

The  King  Haroun-er-Raschid  expressed  himself  as  follows : 
"  O  king  of  the  world !  I  present  myself  before  your  Majesty 
to  ask  your  impartial  judgment.  The  minister  of  the  country 
of  Damas  brought  to  Bagdad,  among  other  precious  objects, 
ingots  of  gold  and  ingots  of  silver,  on  which  are  engraved  my 
name  and  that  of  my  daughter,  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam. 
I  seized  these,  and  come  to  your  Majesty  to  decide  my  claim 
to  them." 

The  King  of  Roum  said :  "  If  it  pleases  God  the  most  high, 
this  afifair  shall  be  judged  with  the  best  of  my  powers."  The 
King  of  Roum  continued :  "  My  officers  and  you,  my  minis- 
ters and  chiefs,  seek  all  the  divine  inspiration  to  decide  the 
difference  existing  between  the  King  of  Bagdad  and  the  min- 
ister of  Damas." 

The  officers  bowed  low  and  said :  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the 
world,  whatever  they  may  be,  we  shall  put  the  commands  of 
your  Majesty  above  our  heads  and  shall  carry  them  out  to 
the  letter."  And  they  deliberated  on  the  character  of  the  dis- 
pute. 

The  King  of  Bagdad  declared :  "  These  objects  are  precious 
to  me,  for  they  bear  engraven  upon  them  the  names  of  myself 
and  my  child." 

On  the  other  hand,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  minister 
Damas  declared,  "  These  precious  objects  are  mine." 

The  ministers  and  chiefs  were  very  much  embarrassed,  and 
said  to  the  King :  "  O  king  of  the  world,  we,  all  of  us,  are 
unable  to  judge  this  dispute.  It  is  too  difficult  for  us.  Only 
the  impartial  judgment  of  your  Majesty  can  decide  it." 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  147 

The  prince  said :  "  It  is  well.  I  will  pronounce  sentence, 
if  it  please  God  the  most  high,  provided  that  you  consent  to 
accept  it." 

The  King  of  Bagdad  answered :  "  O  king  of  the  world, 
judge  between  us  according  to  your  impartial  justice." 

The  King  of  Roum  then  said :  "  O  minister  of  Damas,  and 
you,  King  of  Bagdad,  is  it  the  wish  of  both  of  you  that  I 
should  give  judgment  according  to  the  judgment  of  God  the 
most  high  ?  " 

And  they  both  answered :  "  That  is  what  we  ask,  the  judg- 
ment of  God." 

The  prince  replied :  "  If  you  consent  on  both  sides,  it  is 
well." 

'*  I  consent  to  it,"  said  the  minister  of  Damas. 

''  And  I,  too,"  said  the  King  of  Bagdad. 

The  King  of  Roum  then  spoke  in  these  terms :  "  In  con- 
formity with  the  law  of  the  most  high  God,  I  ask  this  ques- 
tion of  the  King  of  Bagdad :   Have  you  a  daughter  ?  " 

The  King  of  Bagdad  replied :  "  Yes,  king  of  the  world, 
I  have  a  daughter  and  a  son." 

"  And  have  you  at  present  these  two  children  ?  " 

The  King  of  Bagdad  answered :  "  I  have  my  son,  but  my 
daughter — I  lost  her." 

The  King  of  Roum,  continuing,  said :  "  What  is  the  cause 
of  the  loss  of  your  daughter  ?  "  The  King  of  Bagdad  an- 
swered :  '*  O  king  of  the  world,  hear  my  story.  While  I  was 
gone  on  a  pilgrimage  with  my  wife  and  my  son,  whose  name 
is  Minbah-Chahaz,  I  left  my  daughter  to  watch  over  my  pal- 
ace. Arriving  at  the  end  of  my  pilgrimage,  I  sent  home  a  let- 
ter to  the  cadi,  conceived  as  follows :  *  May  peace  be  with  the 
cadi :  I  shall  wait  still  for  the  grand  pilgrimage  about  a  year 
longer.  As  for  all  that  concerns  my  kingdom,  my  palace, 
and  my  daughter,  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  watch  with 
greatest  care,  and  beware  of  any  negligence  in  the  protection 
of  my  kingdom  and  my  child.'  Some  time  later  the  cadi  sent 
me  a  letter  at  Mecca,  couched  in  these  words :  *  O  king  of  the 
world,  your  servant  has  received  the  command  to  watch  over 
the  palace  and  the  princess.  But  the  princess  now  desires  to 
marry  me.'  After  I  had  read  the  letter  from  the  cadi  I  called 
my  son  Minbah-Chahaz,  and  said  to  him :  '  Start  at  once  for 


148  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Bagdad,  and  slay  your  sister.'  My  son  Minbah-Chahaz 
started  immediately  for  Bagdad,  and  killed  his  sister.  Then 
he  returned  and  found  me  at  Mecca.  His  cutlass  was  still 
blood-stained.  Then  I  cried :  '  Praise  be  to  God  the  Lord  of 
the  universe,  our  shame  is  effaced.'  Such  is  my  story,  O  king 
of  the  world." 

The  King  of  Roum  said :  "  It  is  well.  Now  I  shall  pro- 
nounce judgment."  And  addressing  the  minister  of  Damas 
he  said  to  him :  "  O  minister  of  Damas,  tell  me  the  truth  if 
you  wish  that  at  the  day  of  judgment  the  prophet  should  in- 
tercede for  you  (may  the  peace  and  blessings  of  God  be  upon 
him!).  Speak  and  tell  the  truth.  Say  whence  come  these 
riches,  in  order  that  I  mav  pronounce  my  judgment  between 
you." 

The  minister  of  the  King  of  Damas  said :  "  O  my  lord,  king 
of  the  world,  I  will  lay  at  the  foot  of  your  Majesty's  throne 
the  completed  story  from  the  beginning.  I  received  a  mis- 
sion from  the  King  Chah  Djouhou :  '  O  my  minister,'  he  said, 
*  start,  I  send  you  to  the  city  of  Bagdad,  taking  my  three  chil- 
dren to  their  grandfather,  and  my  wife,  the  princess  Djouher- 
Manikam,  to  her  mother  and  her  father,  the  King  Haroun- 
er-Raschid.'  I  set  out,  therefore,  with  the  escort  which  ac- 
companied the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  and  we  arrived 
at  our  first  halting-place.  When  it  was  night  I  erected  a  tent, 
and  the  people  of  the  escort  all  put  up  tents  around  that  of  the 
princess.  But  Satan  breathed  into  my  heart  a  temptation. 
This  thought  came  to  me :  *  The  wife  of  the  King  is  wonder- 
fully beautiful,  and  she  has  such  a  pretty  name !  I  will  go  and 
ask  her  to  marry  me.'  So  I  entered  her  tent.  At  that  moment 
she  was  seated  by  her  sleeping  children,  occupied  in  keeping 
away  the  mosquitoes.  The  princess  demanded,  '  O  my  minis- 
ter, why  do  you  come  here  ? '  And  I  answered,  *  I  have  come 
to  ask  you  to  marry  me.'  The  princess  said :  *  Have  you 
no  fear  of  God  the  most  high?  No,  I  cannot  marry  you. 
What  would  become  of  me  if  I  should  do  such  a  thing?  '  Then 
I  said,  '  If  you  will  not  agree  to  marry  me,  I  will  kill  one  of 
your  children.'  The  princess  answered :  *  If  you  kill  my  child 
it  will  be  by  the  judgment  of  God,  and  what  can  I  do  but  to 
invoke  his  name?  '  Then  I  killed  one  of  the  children.  When 
he  was  dead  I  asked  again  if  she  would  marry  me,  and  I  killed 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  149 

another  of  the  children.  When  this  one  was  dead  I  asked  the 
same  question.  The  princess  answered,  *  I  cannot  marry 
when  I  am  already  married.'  I  said  to  her,  *  If  you  will  not, 
then  I  will  kill  the  third  of  your  children.'  The  princess 
Djouher-Manikam  answered,  *  If  you  kill  my  third  child,  k 
will  be  by  the  judgment  of  God,  and  what  can  I  do  but  invoke 
his  name,  for  I  am  only  a  woman  ?  '  So  I  killed  the  third  child. 
After  the  death  of  this  last  child  of  the  King,  I  put  again  my 
question  to  the  princess.  She  would  not  consent  to  marry 
me.  I  said  to  her,  '  If  you  don't,  I  will  kill  you.'  She  an- 
swered :  *  If  you  kill  me,  it  is  the  decree  of  God.  But  wait 
awhile,  for  I  wish  to  wash  my  garments  and  cleanse  the  traces 
of  my  children's  blood  from  my  body.'  I  said, '  It  is  well.  We 
will  have  the  wedding-feast  to-morrow.'  She  left  the  tent.  It 
was  raining  in  torrents.  I  could  not  discover  where  she  went. 
Such  is  my  story,  O  king  of  the  world." 

The  King  said,  "  Minister  of  the  country  of  Damas,  have 
you  any  sons  ?  " 

He  answered,  "  Yes,  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  I  have 
three  sons." 

The  prince  said :  "  Let  your  three  sons  come  here,  in  order 
that  I  may  give  judgment  quickly,  according  to  the  law  insti- 
tuted by  the  prophet  (may  the  peace  and  blessings  of  God  be 
upon  him!).  Behold  what  his  law  prescribes:  The  minister 
killed  the  children  of  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam.  It  is 
not,  therefore,  the  minister  who  should  be  punished  with 
death,  but  his  children  should  be  slain.  The  execution  of  this 
judgment  will  be  the  just  application  of  the  law  of  retaliation 
between  the  minister  and  the  princess." 

The  minister  summoned  his  three  sons.  As  soon  as  they 
had  come,  he  pointed  them  to  the  King  of  Roum. 

The  latter  said  to  his  minister,  ''  O  minister,  where  is  the 
^Ethiopian  whom  they  brought  here  ?  "  The  Ethiopian  rob- 
ber was  brought  out,  and  prostrated  himself  before  the  King 
of  Roum. 

The  King  of  Roum  said  to  him :  "  Ethiopian,  return  to 
your  own  country  and  change  your  mode  of  Hfe.  You  will 
never  see  again  the  woman  for  whom  you  are  seeking."  And 
the  prince  gave  him  a  keti  of  gold. 

Then  the  prince  said :   **  O  my  minister,  where  is  Biyapri  ? 


15©  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Let  them  bring  him  here."  So  they  brought  Biyapri.  When 
he  arrived  he  bowed  low  before  the  prince. 

The  prince  said :  "  Biyapri,  go  back  to  your  own  country 
and  change  your  conduct.  The  woman  whom  you  seek  you 
will  never  see  again."  And  the  prince  made  him  a  gift  of  two 
keti  of  gold. 

The  King  of  Roum  then  said :  "  Let  all  assemble.  I  am 
about  to  pronounce  judgment  between  the  King  of  Bagdad 
and  the  minister  of  Damas."  The  minister  and  the  officers 
assembled  therefore  in  the  presence  of  the  King,  together 
with  many  of  his  subjects. 

The  King  of  Roum  said :  "  O  my  executioner,  let  the  three 
children  of  the  minister  of  Damas  be  all  killed;  such  is  the 
divine  command."  So  the  children  of  the  minister  of  Damas 
were  all  three  killed. 

After  they  were  dead  the  prince  said :  "  Minister,  return  to 
the  country  of  Damas,  with  a  rag  for  your  girdle,  and  during 
your  last  days  change  your  conduct.  If  you  do  not  know  it, 
I  am  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam,  daughter  of  the  Sultan 
of  Bagdad,  wife  of  Chah  Djouhou,  my  lord,  and  the  sister  of 
Minbah-Chahaz.  God  has  stricken  your  eyes  with  blindness 
on  account  of  your  crimes  toward  me.  It  is  the  same  with  the 
cadi  of  the  city  of  Bagdad." 

The  minister  of  Damas,  seized  with  fear,  trembled  in  all 
his  limbs.  He  cast  himself  at  the  feet  of  the  princess  Mani- 
kam,  and  thus  prostrated  he  implored  pardon  a  thousand  and 
a  thousand  times.  Then  he  returned  to  Damas  all  in  tears, 
and  overwhelmed  with  grief  at  the  death  of  his  three  sons. 
The  cadi,  covered  with  shame  on  account  of  his  treachery  to 
the  Sultan  of  Bagdad,  fled  and  expatriated  himself. 

The  King  of  Roum  commanded  them  to  bring  the  King 
Chah  Djouhou  and  give  him  a  garment  all  sparkling  with 
gold,  and  he  sent  him  to  dwell  in  the  company  of  his  father- 
in-law,  the  Sultan  of  Bagdad,  and  his  brother-in-law,  the 
prince  Minbah-Chahaz. 

Then  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam  retired.  She  en- 
tered the  palace  and  returned  clad  in  the  garments  of  a 
woman.  She  then  went  out,  accompanied  by  ladies  of 
the  court,  and  went  to  present  herself  to  her  father,  the  Sultan 
Qf  Bagdad.     She  bowed  before  her  father,  her  brother  the 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  151 

prince  Minbah-Chahaz,  and  her  husband,  the  King  Chah 
Djouhou.  The  princess  said :  "  O  all  of  you,  lords  and  war- 
riors of  the  country  of  Roum,  know  that  I  am  a  woman,  and 
not  a  man.  Behold  my  father,  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid, 
King  of  Bagdad.  Behold  my  brother,  whose  name  is  Min- 
bah-Chahaz ;  and  behold  my  husband,  the  King  Chah  Djou- 
hou, who  reigns  over  the  country  of  Damas.  From  the  time 
when  you  placed  me  upon  the  throne  of  Roum,  if  I  have  com- 
mitted any  fault  by  error  or  by  ignorance,  you  must  excuse 
me,  for  constantly  the  servants  of  God  commit  faults  by  error 
or  ignorance.  It  is  only  God  alone  who  forgets  not,  nor  neg- 
lects, and  is  free  from  error  or  ignorance." 

The  grandees  of  the  country  of  Roum  said :  "  Never  has 
your  Majesty  committed  the  least  fault,  either  by  ignorance  or 
by  error,  during  the  time  you  have  reigned  over  the  country 
of  Roum.  Nevertheless,  among  the  judgments  just  now  ren- 
dered there  was  a  fault  committed  by  your  glorious  Majesty. 
The  minister  killed,  the  princess  killed,  both  did  it  voluntarily. 
It  was  a  fault  of  judgment  for  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam 
to  have  killed  the  children  of  the  minister,  just  as  the  minis- 
ter committed  a  fault  in  killing  the  children  of  the  princess. 
There  was  a  likeness  there.  Still,  if  it  pleases  her  Majesty  to 
remain  upon  the  throne  of  Roum,  we  should  all  be  very  glad 
of  it." 

The  princess  Djouher  said :  "  I  shall  take  leave  of  you,  my 
lords.  It  is  good  that  we  should  make  the  young  prince  king, 
and  that  he  should  replace  me  on  the  throne." 

The  ministers  and  the  officers  of  Roum  responded,  "  What- 
ever be  the  commands  of  your  Majesty,  we  place  them  above 
our  heads." 

Then  the  princess  made  the  royal  prince  her  successor,  and 
the  ministers  and  officers  and  subjects  all  bowed  low,  placed 
their  hands  above  their  heads,  and  proclaimed  him  King. 

The  princess  Djouher-Manikam  said :  "  O  my  child,  here 
are  the  last  instructions  your  mother  gives  you:  You  must 
practise  justice  so  that  God  will  make  strong  your  realm.  To 
you,  my  ministers  and  officers,  I  confide  my  child.  If  he  com- 
mits some  faults  by  negHgence  or  by  ignorance,  I  pray  you 
take  them  not  too  much  to  heart,  for  my  child  is  young,  and 
he  has  not  yet  attained  all  the  maturity  of  his  judgment." 


152  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

The  ministers  and  officers  answered :  "  O  your  Majesty, 
may  your  prosperity  grow  forever !  How  could  it  be  possible 
for  us  to  disobey  your  commands  ?  " 

The  princess  replied :  "  O  my  child,  above  all  must  you  ob- 
serve justice  and  be  patient  and  liberal  toward  your  ministers 
and  officers  and  all  your  subjects,  so  that  the  favors  of  Gk)d 
may  increase  upon  your  person  and  that  your  kingdom  may 
be  protected  by  God  the  most  high  by  the  grace  of  the  inter- 
cession of  the  prophet  Mahomet,  the  envoy  of  God  (may  the 
peace  and  blessings  of  God  be  with  him !).  O  my  child,  you 
must  govern  all  your  subjects  with  a  spirit  of  justice,  for  in 
this  world,  until  death,  we  ought  to  seek  the  truth.  O  my 
child,  above  all  forget  not  my  last  instructions."  Then,  taking 
in  her  arms  the  royal  child,  she  kissed  him. 

The  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid  having  told  the  Sultan  of 
Roum  that  he  wished  to  return  to  the  country  of  Bagdad,  the 
Sultan  gave  orders  to  his  ministers  to  assemble  the  grandees, 
the  officers,  and  the  soldiers,  with  elephants,  horses,  and  in- 
struments of  music.  All  came  with  presents,  for  the  Sultan 
of  Roum  wished  to  accompany  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Ras- 
chid as  far  as  Bagdad  and  carry  him  the  presents.  The  favor- 
able moment  having  arrived,  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid 
departed  from  Roum,  directing  his  way  to  the  country  of  Bag- 
dad, from  plain  to  plain,  and  from  halting-place  to  halting- 
place.  After  journeying  some  time,  they  rejoicing  all  the  way, 
they  arrived  at  the  country  of  Bagdad. 

The  ministers,  the  chiefs,  and  the  soldiers  came  out  to  meet 
the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid,  and  they  entered  the  palace. 
Then  the  Queen  hastened  to  find  the  Sultan  and  her  daughter, 
the  princess  Djouher-Manikam.  Meeting  her  daughter,  she 
pressed  her  in  her  arms  and  covered  her  with  kisses.  She 
said  in  tears :  "  Alas,  my  child !  the  fruit  of  my  heart !  I,  your 
mother  thought  that  she  would  never  see  you  again."  And 
she  covered  her  body  with  tears  and  kisses,  while  she  kept 
repeating,  "Alas,  my  child!  I  thought  you  lost  forever." 
Then  the  Queen  bowed  before  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid. 
Her  son,  Minbah-Chahaz,  then  came  to  bow  before  hfs 
mother,  but  the  latter  pressed  him  in  her  arms  and  kissed  him. 
Then  her  son-in-law,  King  Chah  Djouhou,  advanced  and 
bowed  before  the  Queen  in  his  turn.  And  she  pressed  him  in 
her  arms  and  kissed  him.    All  were  in  tears. 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  153 

The  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid  started  for  the  hall  of  au- 
dience, and  gave  orders  to  one  of  his  heralds  to  assemble  his 
ministers,  his  warriors,  and  his  subjects.  When  they  were 
all  gathered  together  the  Sultan  said :  "  Now  I  wish  to  enter- 
tain the  ministers,  the  chiefs,  and  the  officers  who  escorted 
us  here."  When  the  Sultan  had  finished  entertaining  them 
they  desired  to  take  leave  and  return  to  the  country  of  Roum. 
The  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid  made  them  gifts  of  vestments 
of  honor,  to  each  according  to  his  rank.  They  prostrated 
themselves  at  his  feet,  and  then  returned  in  peace  to  the  coun- 
try of  Roum. 

Afterward,  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid  ordered  one  of 
his  heralds  to  assemble  his  ministers,  his  officers,  and  his  sub- 
jects. Once  gathered  together,  the  prince  said :  "  O  all  of 
you,  my  ministers  and  my  officers,  you  must  build  me  a  house 
of  baths  seven  stories  high,  on  the  public  square  of  Bagdad." 

All  responded,  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  whatever 
your  commands  may  be,  your  servants  place  them  above 
their  heads."  And  all,  ministers,  officers,  and  subjects,  gave 
themselves  to  the  work,  each  of  them  doing  what  was  directed 
by  the  architect.  After  some  time,  the  palace  of  baths  was 
finished.  It  was  sumptuously  adorned  with  curtains  of  silk, 
canopies,  tapestries  woven  with  gold  and  fringed  with  pearls. 
Rugs  embroidered  with  gold  were  stretched  on  the  different 
floors,  and  there  was  a  quantity  of  torches  and  lanterns. 

Then  the  builders  came  before  the  King  and  said :  "  O  my 
lord,  king  of  the  world,  your  slaves  have  finished  their  work 
according  to  the  commands  of  your  Majesty." 

The  King  Haroun-er-Raschid  gave  thanks  unto  God  the 
most  high,  worthy  of  all  praise,  the  true  Lord  who  accords  to 
his  servants  all  their  needs. 

Then  the  festivals  began.  For  forty  days  and  forty  nights 
the  bands  never  stopped  playing.  There  were  sports,  ban- 
quets, amusements  of  all  sorts.  They  gave  themselves  noisily 
to  pleasure,  because  the  Sultan  was  going  to  proceed  to  the 
ceremony  of  the  bath  of  the  two  spouses,  his  children.  When 
the  watches  were  finished  and  the  favorable  moment  had 
come,  the  Sultan  was  arrayed  in  a  magnificent  garment  em- 
broidered with  gold,  while  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam 
was  adorned  by  her  mother  with  superb  veils  and  vestments 


154  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

trimmed  with  jewels,  with  pearls  and  precious  stones  of  an 
incomparable  richness.  The  spouses  thus  adorned,  the  Sul- 
tan made  them  mount  a  palanquin.  His  son,  Minbah-Cha- 
haz,  was  clad  in  a  splendid  costume. 

The  Sultan  mounted  his  horse  Sembaran,  and  his  saddle 
was  of  carved  gold.  Surrounded  by  young  princes  and  lords, 
by  officers  of  his  court  and  the  standards,  Haroun-er-Raschid 
marched  at  the  head.  He  advanced,  followed  by  princes,  min- 
isters, and  officers.  The  wives  of  the  grandees  accompanied 
the  Queen  with  her  maids-of-honor,  and  all  the  musical  in- 
struments gave  forth  their  harmonious  sounds.  Seven  times 
they  made  the  circuit  of  the  city.  When  the  two  spouses  had 
arrived  at  the  foot  of  the  Palace  of  Baths  the  Sultan  made 
them  ascend.  Then  came  the  spouses  of  the  grandees  with 
the  Queen,  who  showered  them  with  rice-powder  mixed  with 
amber  and  musk,  and  poured  on  their  heads  spikenard  and 
curcuma  (turmeric).  They  were  both  plunged  into  a  bath  of 
rose-water  and  extracts  of  all  sorts  of  aromatic  flowers,  to- 
gether with  water  from  the  sacred  fountain  of  Zemzem. 

The  ceremonies  of  the  bath  finished,  the  two  spouses  went 
out  of  the  Palace  of  Baths  and  went  into  the  King's  palace. 
On  their  arrival,  they  served  a  repast  to  the  princes,  the 
orilemas,  the  doctors  of  the  law,  the  priests,  the  ministers,  the 
officers,  the  common  people,  men  and  women.  All  without 
exception  took  part  in  the  feast.  When  it  was  ended  one  of 
the  doctors  of  the  law  recited  the  prayer  asking  God  for  per- 
fect happiness,  sheltered  from  all  danger  in  this  life  and  the 
next.  Then  he  sprinkled  showers  of  the  most  charming  per- 
fumes. 

After  that  the  Chah  Djouhou  went  to  find  the  Sultan,  and 
said  to  him :  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  I  have  to  ask 
your  Majesty  a  favor  and  pardon.  I  wish  to  take  leave  of 
your  Majesty  and  return  to  the  country  of  Damas,  for  the 
country  of  Damas  is  forsaken,  O  my  lord." 

The  Sultan  said,  "  It  is  well,  my  lord.  Your  country,  truly, 
is  separated  from  its  King.  If  it  were  not  for  your  kingdom  I 
would  wish  never  to  be  separated  from  you,  now  that  I  have 
my  daughter  back  again.  But  if  I  am  inclined  to  commit  a 
fault,  do  not  comply  with  it." 

Radja  Chah  Djouhou  answered :  "  Your  daughter  is  like  a 


THE  PRINCESS  DJOUHER-MANIKAM  155 

soul  which  has  entered  my  body.  That  is  how  I  feel.  But 
the  countless  favors  of  your  Majesty  to  me,  I  place  them  above 
my  head." 

The  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid  then  said  to  his  prime  min- 
ister :  "  O  my  minister,  get  ready  to  start  3,000  soldiers  and 
300  horsemen.  And  have  elephants  or  horses  well  equipped 
to  transport  my  two  children,  husband  and  wife."  When  the 
escort  was  ready,  then  the  Sultan  commanded  them  to  open 
the  place  where  his  treasures  were  stored,  and  forty-four  camels 
were  laden  with  riches,  with  vestments  of  woven  gold  and 
precious  objects  such  as  are  found  only  in  the  palaces  of  kings. 

All  these  preparations  being  finished,  Radja  Chah  Djouhou 
took  leave  of  his  father-in-law,  his  mother-in-law,  and  his 
brother-in-law,  Minbah-Chahaz.  The  latter  all  held  in  their 
arms  and  covered  with  kisses  the  princess  Djouher-Manikam, 
as  well  as  Radja  Chah  Djouhou.  He  and  his  brother-in-law 
Minbah-Chahaz  wept  as  they  embraced,  and  the  people  of 
the  palace  burst  into  sobs  with  a  noise  like  that  of  the  waves 
breaking  on  the  seashore.  Finally  the  princess  Djouher  and 
the  King  Chah  Djouhou,  after  bowing  before  their  father, 
mother,  and  brother,  set  out  for  the  country  of  Damas,  to  the 
imposing  sound  of  all  the  instruments  of  music.  The  Sultan 
Haroun-er-Raschid  and  his  son,  Minbah-Chahaz,  conducted 
them  outside  of  the  fortifications.  When  they  were  far  off, 
the  Sultan  went  back  to  his  palace,  walking  sadly  with  his 
son,  Minbah-Chahaz,  and  praying  God  to  bless  his  children. 

After  some  time  on  the  journey,  the  King  Chah  Djouhou 
arrived  at  the  country  of  Damas.  The  officers  and  the  sol- 
diers sallied  from  the  fortifications  of  Damas  and  went 
to  meet  the  prince.  The  ministers  and  the  officers  bowed  low 
at  his  feet,  all  rejoicing  over  the  happy  return  and  perfect 
health  of  the  King  and  Queen.  The  prince  entered  his  pal- 
ace, and  the  two  spouses  lived  full  of  tenderness  for  each  other. 

I  will  not  prolong  this  story  of  the  princess  Djouher-Mani- 
kam, which  has  become  celebrated  in  all  countries  to  wind- 
ward and  to  leeward.  I  close  it  here,  giving  my  best  wishes 
to  those  who  shall  read  or  hear  it,  and  particularly  to  those 
who  shall  copy  it ! 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA; 

OR, 

THE    CROWN    OF    KINGS 

[Translated  by  Aristide  Marre  and  C.  C.  Starkweather] 


MAKOTA   RADJA-RADJA* 

KINGS  who  are  of  the  true  faith,  who  have  wisdom  and 
follow  justice,  cause  men  worthy  of  their  confidence 
to  travel  through  their  kingdom,  to  serve  as  their 
eyes  and  ears,  and  to  make  reports  on  the  state  and  condi- 
tion of  their  subjects,  so  that,  knowing  the  cause,  they  may 
examine  for  themselves  the  conduct  of  the  servants  of  God. 
But  there  are  kings  who  do  not  rest  contented  with  the  re- 
port of  their  servants,  and  go  themselves  by  night  to  see  the 
condition  and  hear  the  complaints  of  subjects.  Then  they 
make  by  day  a  thorough  examination  of  the  matters  thus 
come  to  their  knowledge,  in  order  to  regulate  them  with  jus- 
tice and  equity. 

A  story  will  illustrate  this.  Zeyd  Ibries  Selam  tells  what 
follows :  The  prince  of  the  believers,  the  Caliph  Omar  (may 
God  be  satisfied  with  him !),  judged  the  servants  of  God  with 
equity  during  the  day,  and  after  pronouncing  his  judgments 
he  went  out  of  the  city  on  the  side  toward  the  cemetery 
called  Bakia-el-Gharkada.  There  he  cut  stone  to  gain  money 
enough  for  the  maintenance  of  his  house,  and  when  night  had 
come  he  went  through  the  city  to  know  the  good  and  evil 
of  the  servants  of  God.  One  night,  says  Zeyd  Ibries  Selam, 
"  I  accompanied  the  prince  of  the  believers,  Omar.  When 
he  was  outside  of  Medina,  he  perceived  a  fire  in  an  out-of-the- 
way  place,  and  turned  his  steps  thither.  Scarcely  had  he  ar- 
rived when  he  heard  a  woman  with  three  children,  and  the 
latter  were  crying.  The  woman  said :  *  O  God  the  most  high, 
I  beseech  thee,  make  Omar  suffer  what  I  am  suffering  now. 
He  sleeps  satiated  with  food,  while  I  and  my  children  are 
starving.'    The  prince  of  the  believers,  Omar,  hearing  these 

•  Or,  "  The  Crown  of  Kings." 


i6o  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

words,  went  to  the  woman,  and  with  a  salutation  said,  '  May 
I  approach  ? ' 

'*  The  woman  answered,  '  If  it  be  by  way  of  goodness,  come/ 

"  He  approached  her  and  questioned  her  about  her  situa- 
tion. 

"  The  woman  said :  '  I  come  from  a  far  place ;  and  as  it  was 
dark  when  I  arrived  here,  I  could  not  enter  the  city.  So  I 
stopped  at  this  place.  My  children  and  I  are  suffering  from 
hunger  and  we  cannot  sleep.' 

"  The  Caliph  inquired,  '  What  is  there  in  this  kettle  ?  ' 

"  The  woman  answered :  '  Nothing  but  water.  I  put  it  in 
the  kettle  so  that  the  children  should  imagine  that  I  was  cook- 
ing rice — perhaps,  then,  they  would  go  to  sleep  and  stop  cry- 
ing so  loudly.' 

"  As  soon  as  Omar  had  heard  these  words  he  returned 
promptly  to  the  city  of  Medina.  Arriving  at  a  shop  where 
they  sold  flour,  be  bought  some  and  put  it  into  a  sack.  In 
another  shop  he  bought  some  meat.  Then  lifting  the  sack  to 
his  shoulders  he  carried  it  out  of  the  city.    I  said  to  him  : 

" '  O  prince  of  the  believers,  give  me  this  sack,  that  I  may 
carry  it  for  you.' 

"  *  If  you  bear  the  weight  of  this  sack,'  said  his  glorious 
Majesty  to  me,  '  who  will  bear  the  weight  of  my  fault,  and 
who  will  clear  me  from  the  prayer  of  this  woman  in  the  afflic- 
tion of  her  heart  when  she  complained  to  the  Lord  of  my  neg- 
ligence ? ' 

"  Omar,  having  said  these  words,  continued  to  walk  in  tears 
until  he  had  come  near  the  woman  and  her  children.  Then 
he  gave  her  the  flour  and  the  meat,  and  they  ate  till  their  hun- 
ger was  appeased.    The  woman  with  a  satisfied  heart  cried : 

"  *  May  God  the  most  high  hear  my  prayer  and  render  you 
benefits,  since  you  are  so  full  of  compassion  for  the  servants 
of  God  and  are  so  much  better  than  Omar.' 

"  The  Caliph  said  to  her,  '  O  woman,  blame  not  Omar,  for 
he  knew  not  how  you  fared.'  " 

There  was  once  a  king  in  the  country  of  Syria  named  Ma- 
lik-es-Saleh,  very  pious  and  just,  and  continually  preoccu- 
pied with  the  state  of  his  subjects.  They  say  that  every  night 
he  went  to  the  mosque,  cemeteries,  and  other  solitary  places, 
in  search  of  strangers,  fakirs,  and  poor  people  who  had  neither 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  i6i 

home  nor  family.  One  night,  arriving  near  a  mosque,  he 
heard  the  voice  of  a  man  inside  the  edifice.  He  entered  and 
saw  a  fakir  there.  He  could  not  see  him  distinctly,  because 
he  was  covered  with  a  mat.  But  he  heard  him,  and  this  is 
what  he  said :  "  O  Lord,  if  on  the  judgment-day  thou  shalt 
give  a  place  in  heaven  to  kings  who  are  forgetful  of  the  fakirs 
and  the  poor,  then,  O  Lord,  grant  that  I  may  not  enter  there." 

Malik-es-Saleh,  hearing  these  words,  shed  tears.  He  placed 
a  piece  of  stufll  before  the  fakir  with  lOO  tahil  of  silver,  and 
said  to  him : 

"  O  fakir,  I  have  learned  from  the  glorious  prophet  (may 
peace  be  with  him !)  that  fakirs  become  kings  in  heaven,  after 
a  life  of  self-sacrifice  on  earth.  Since  I  am  King  in  this  per- 
ishable world,  I  come  to  you  with  the  weakness  of  my  nature 
and  baseness  of  my  being.  I  ask  you  to  be  at  peace  with  me, 
and  to  show  yourself  compassionate  to  me  when  the  moment 
of  your  glory  in  heaven  shall  have  arrived." 

When  the  Sultan  Zayad  sat  upon  the  royal  throne  of  Ikak, 
the  country  was  infested  with  malefactors,  brigands,  robbers, 
assassins,  and  the  like.  The  compounds  were  destroyed,  the 
houses  pillaged,  and  the  people  killed.  The  inhabitants  could 
not  sleep  a  single  night  in  quiet,  nor  pass  a  single  day  in  safety 
at  home.  A  crowd  of  people  came  with  their  complaints  to 
the  Sultan  Zayad,  saying: 

"  The  compounds  are  destroyed,  the  houses  are  pillaged, 
and  the  men  are  killed."  All  throughout  Irak  one  heard  noth- 
ing but  reports  of  this  kind. 

One  Friday  the  Sultan  went  to  the  mosque  to  pray.  He 
then  shut  all  the  doors  and  said  to  the  people  in  the  mosque : 
"  O  servants  of  God  now  present  in  this  mosque,  know  that  a 
duty  is  imposed  upon  me.  I  must  protect  my  subjects,  for  I 
shall  have  to  give  an  account  of  my  actions  on  the  day  of 
judgment.  There  are  now  in  this  country  large  numbers  of 
malefactors,  and  many  of  my  people  have  been  ruined  by  them. 
It  is  my  duty  to  repress  these  disorders.  So,  then,  listen  to 
what  I  have  to  say,  and  repeat  it  to  those  who  are  not  present 
I  swear  to  you  that  all  who  shall,  three  days  from  now,  leave 
his  house  after  the  hour  of  evening  prayer,  shall  be  put  to 
death." 

When  the  three  days  had  passed  and  the  fourth  night  ar- 
II 


1 62  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

rived,  Sultan  Zayad  mounted  his  horse  and  traversed  the  city 
with  an  escort  of  cavaHers.  Outside  of  the  city  he  came  to  a 
place  and  saw  a  man  standing  under  a  tree  in  the  middle  of  a 
flock  of  sheep  and  goats.    He  said  to  him,  "  Who  are  you?  " 

The  man  said :  "  I  come  from  a  far-off  village,  and  I  am 
bringing  sheep  and  goats  to  the  city  to  sell  them,  and  with 
their  price  to  buy  what  I  can  for  my  wife  and  children.  When 
arrived  at  this  place  I  was  so  tired  that  I  could  not  enter  the 
city,  and  was  obHged  to  stay  here,  with  the  intention  of  enter- 
ing at  daybreak  and  selling  my  sheep  and  goats." 

Sultan  Zayad,  having  heard  this  response,  said :  "  Your 
words  are  true,  but  what  can  I  do?  If  I  do  not  put  you  to 
death  to-morrow,  when  the  news  spreads,  they  will  say  Sultan 
Zayad  is  not  faithful  to  his  word.  They  will  regard  me  with 
disdain,  and  no  one  will  obey  my  orders.  And  the  wicked 
ones  will  commit  violent  acts  upon  the  good  ones,  and  my 
country  will  be  ruined.  Heaven  is  better  for  you  than  this 
world."  So  he  had  him  put  to  death  and  ordered  that  they 
should  take  his  head. 

During  that  same  night  all  that  he  met  were  killed  and  be- 
headed. They  say  that  in  the  course  of  that  first  day  500 
persons  were  put  to  death.  At  dawn  he  had  all  these  heads 
exposed  on  the  highways,  and  published  this  proclamation : 

"  Whosoever  shall  not  obey  the  commands  of  Sultan  Zayad 
shall  suffer  the  same  fate." 

When  the  people  of  the  country  saw  these  heads  exposed 
at  all  sides  on  the  earth,  they  were  frightened,  and  a  respect- 
ful fear  of  Sultan  Zayad  filled  all  hearts. 

The  second  night  Sultan  Zayad  went  out  again  from  the  city, 
and  that  night  500  persons  were  killed. 

The  third  night  he  remained  out  of  the  city  till  morning,  but 
he  did  not  meet  a  soul. 

The  following  Friday  Sultan  Zayad  went  to  the  mosque, 
said  his  prayers,  and  declared :  "  O  servants  of  God,  let  no 
one  after  to-day  shut  the  door  of  his  house  nor  his  shop.  I 
take  upon  myself  the  charge  of  replacing  those  of  your  goods 
which  shall  be  destroyed  or  stolen." 

They  all  obeyed  his  orders,  for  they  feared  him  greatly. 
Their  doors  remained  opened  for  several  nights,  and  they 
never  suffered  the  slightest  loss.     But  after  a  while  a  man 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  163 

complained  to  the  Sultan,  saying,  ''  Last  night  someone  stole 
from  me  400  tahil." 

The  Sultan  said :  "  Can  you  swear  to  it  ?  " 

The  man  swore  to  the  facts,  and  the  Sultan  had  400  tahil 
counted  out  to  him  in  place  of  those  he  had  lost.  The  follow- 
ing Friday,  after  prayers,  forbidding  anyone  to  leave  the 
mosque,  the  Sultan  said :  "  O  servants  of  the  Lord,  know  that 
400  tahil  have  been  stolen  from  the  shop  of  a  certain  man. 
Unless  you  denounce  the  robber,  not  one  of  you  shall  escape, 
but  to-day  shall  all  of  you  be  put  to  death." 

Now,  as  he  had  rigorously  commanded  attendance  at  Fri- 
day's prayer  service,  the  whole  town  had  come  to  the  mosque. 
They  were  seized  with  fright,  for  they  knew  that  the  Sultan 
kept  his  word,  and  they  denounced  the  robber.  The  latter 
gave  back  the  400  tahil  and  received  his  punishment. 

A  long  time  afterward  the  Sultan  Zayad  asked,  "  At  what 
place  in  my  kingdom  do  they  fear  robbers  most  of  all  ?  " 

"  In  the  Valley  of  the  Beni  Ardou,  in  the  country  of  Bass- 
rah,  for  there  they  are  numerous." 

Sultan  Zayad  one  day  had  the  highways  and  paths  of  the 
valley  strewn  with  gold  and  silver,  precious  stones,  and  stuffs 
of  great  price.  All  these  things  lay  there  a  long  time  and  not 
one  was  taken.  Then  the  Sultan  ordered  them  to  take  up 
these  riches  and  give  them  to  the  fakirs  and  the  poor.  Then 
he  rendered  thanks  unto  God  that  he  had  thus  securely  es- 
tabHshed  his  law  among  his  subjects. 

Now  it  was  in  the  times  when  Nouchirvau  governed  with 
justice  and  equity,  protecting  his  subjects  and  causing  his 
kingdom  to  prosper.  One  day  he  asked  the  grandees  of  his 
court,  "  Are  there  in  my  kingdom  any  places  deserted  and 
without  inhabitants  ?  " 

The  grandees  who  were  there  answered,  "  O  king  of  the 
world,  we  know  not  in  all  your  Majesty's  realm  a  place  which 
is  not  inhabited." 

Nouchirvau  kept  silence,  and  for  many  days  did  not  leave 
the  palace.  He  summoned  to  his  private  chamber  a  learned 
doctor  named  Bouzor  Djambour,  and  said  to  him : 

"  I  desire  to  know  with  certainty  if  all  parts  of  my  realm  are 
peopled,  or  if  there  is  any  which  is  not.  How  can  I  be  sure  of 
this?" 


1 64  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

"  To  have  your  Majesty's  desire  fully  satisfied  you  have 
only  to  abstain  from  leaving  the  palace." 

Saying  this,  Bouzor  Djambour  took  leave  of  the  King  and 
went  to  the  audience-chamber  of  the  King.  He  spoke  to  those 
assembled  there  as  follows :  "  O  ministers,  generals,  and  all 
present^  know  that  his  Majesty  is  ill.  Now,  in  order  to  cure 
him  you  must  find  for  me  a  little  bit  of  earth  from  a  place  in 
ruins  and  uninhabited.  Those  who  are  faithful  servants  of 
the  King  will  not  hesitate  to  accomplish  immediately  this  act 
of  devotion  in  his  service,  and  to  start  at  once  in  search  of  the 
remedy  I  have  named." 

These  words  were  scarcely  uttered  when  men  were  sent  out 
to  search  the  towns  and  villages  and  find  some  earth  from  a 
place  in  ruins  and  uninhabited.  They  found  only  one  house 
in  ruins,  and  the  governor  of  the  town  said  as  follows  about 
it :  "A  merchant  once  established  in  this  dwelling.  He  died 
and  left  much  wealth.  As  none  of  his  heirs  came  forward, 
we  closed  the  doors  with  stones  and  mortar,  waiting  for  them 
to  arrive.    So  the  house  has  fallen  to  ruin." 

Then  the  people  took  a  little  earth  from  beneath  the  house 
and  took  it  to  the  King,  telling  him  what  had  happened.  Then 
the  King  called  an  assembly  and  said : 

"  Know  all  that  my  illness  proceeded  only  from  my  fear  that 
there  might  be  in  my  kingdom  a  house  in  ruins.  Now  that  it 
has  been  shown  to  me  that  there  exists  in  my  whole  realm  not 
a  single  place  in  ruins,  but  that  the  country  is  well  populated, 
my  malady  is  cured,  seeing  that  my  kingdom  is  in  a  perfect 
condition." 

In  the  time  of  Nouchirvau  a  man  sold  his  compound  to 
another  man.  The  buyer  of  this  property,  while  engaged  in 
making  repairs,  found  in  the  earth  many  jars  filled  with  gold 
which  someone  had  buried  there.  He  went  immediately  to  the 
one  who  sold  him  the  premises  and  told  him  the  news.  The 
seller  said: 

"  That  gold  is  not  mine,  for  I  did  not  put  it  in  the  ground. 
I  sold  you  the  compound ;  the  discovery  that  you  have  made  is 
yours." 

The  buyer  replied :  "  I  bought  the  premises  alone :  I  did 
not  buy  gold;  so  it  is  yours."  As  each  refused  to  take  the 
treasure,  they  went  to  the  King  Nouchirvau  and  recounted  the 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  165 

affair  to  him,  saying,  "This  gold  should  be  the  property  of 
the  King."  But  King  Nouchirvau  would  not  take  the  gold. 
He  asked  the  two  men  if  they  had  children.  They  replied, 
"  Yes,  my  lord,  we  have  each  a  child,  a  boy  and  a  girl." 

"  Well,"  said  the  King,  "  marry  the  girl  to  the  boy,  and  give 
them  the  gold  you  found." 

In  ancient  times  a  King  of  China  fell  ill  and  as  a  result  of 
his  malady  he  lost  his  hearing.  He  wept  in  sorrow  over  this 
affliction  and  grew  very  thin  and  pale.  His  ministers  came 
one  day  and  asked  him  to  tell  them  in  writing  his  condition. 
He  answered :  "  I  am  not  ill,  but  so  weakened  by  ray  inquietude 
and  distress  that  I  can  no  longer  hear  the  words  of  my  subjects 
when  they  come  to  make  their  complaints.  I  know  not  how 
to  act  not  to  be  guilty  of  negligence  in  the  government  of  my 
kingdom." 

The  ministers  then  said:  "  If  the  ears  of  your  Majesty  do 
not  hear,  our  ears  shall  replace  those  of  the  King,  and  we  can 
carry  to  his  Majesty  the  complaints  and  regrets  of  his  sub- 
jects. Why,  then,  should  his  Majesty  be  so  much  disturbed 
over  the  weakening  of  his  physical  forces  ?  " 

The  King  of  China  answered:  "At  the  day  of  judgment 
it  is  I,  and  not  my  ministers,  who  will  have  to  render  account 
of  the  affairs  of  my  subjects.  I  must  therefore  myself  ex- 
amine into  their  complaints  and  troubles.  I  am  sure  that  the 
burden  of  ruling  would  be  lighter  for  me  if  I  could  have  tran- 
quillity of  spirit.  But  my  eves  can  see,  although  my  ears  are 
deaf." 

And  he  commanded  them  to  publish  this  edict :  "  All  who 
are  victims  of  injustice  must  reduce  their  complaints  to  writing, 
and  bring  them  to  the  King  so  that  he  may  look  into  their 
troubles." 

They  tell  also  the  following  story:  There  was  formerly 
in  the  city  of  Ispahan,  a  king  whose  power  and  glory  had  filled 
him  with  pride.  He  commanded  his  ministers  to  build  him 
a  palace  in  a  certain  place.  The  ministers,  with  the  archi- 
tects, ordered  the  slaves  to  level  the  ground  so  as  to  form  a 
vast  esplanade  and  cause  to  disappear  all  the  houses  of  the 
neighborhood.  Among  these  houses,  they  say,  there  was  one 
belonging  to  an  old  woman  who  was  very  poor  and  without  a 
family  to  help  her.     In  spite  of  her  great  age,  she  went  to 


1 66  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

work  as  well  as  she  could,  in  different  places,  but  could 
scarcely  exist  on  her  earnings.  Her  house  near  the  site  selected 
for  the  new  palace  was  old  and  in  a  tumble-down  condition. 
They  tell  that  one  day  having  gone  a  long  distance  to  find  work 
she  fell  ill  and  remained  a  long  time  without  being  able  to 
return  to  her  house.  Then  the  architects  who  were  building 
the  palace  said,  "  We  must  not  let  this  hovel  remain  standing 
so  near  the  King's  palace."  So  they  razed  the  hut  and  levelled 
the  earth,  and  finished  the  palace  with  all  sorts  of  embellish- 
ments. The  King,  taking  possession,  gave  a  grand  house- 
warming  festival. 

Now  on  this  very  day  it  so  happened  that  the  old  woman 
returned  home.  Arriving  she  could  find  no  traces  of  her  house, 
and  was  stupefied.  In  one  hand  she  held  a  stick,  in  the  other 
some  dry  wood  for  her  fire.  On  her  back  she  bore  a  package 
of  rice  and  herbs  for  cooking.  She  was  fatigued  with  a  long 
journey  and  faint  with  hunger.  When  she  saw  that  her  house 
had  disappeared  she  knew  not  what  to  do  nor  where  to  go.  She 
burst  into  tears.  The  servants  of  the  King  drove  her  away, 
and  as  she  went,  she  fell  and  spilled  her  rice  and  herbs  and 
fell  down  in  the  mud.  In  this  state  of  indescribable  desola- 
tion she  exclaimed,  ''  O  Lord,  avenge  me  on  these  tyrants !  " 

The  old  woman  had  hardly  ceased  speaking  when  the  voice 
of  some  unseen  being  was  heard  above  her  saying,  **  O 
woman,  fly  quickly  from  this  spot,  for  the  anger  of  God  is 
advancing  upon  the  King."  In  horror  she  got  up  and  fled  in 
all  haste.  Again  she  heard  the  voice  saying,  "  O  woman, 
look  behind  you  at  the  palace."  She  looked  behind  her  and 
saw  the  palace,  the  King,  and  all  his  ministers  and  servants 
engulfed  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth  by  the  will  of  God.  And 
to  this  day  that  place  vomits  fire  and  smoke  as  a  mark  and  a 
warning. 

In  the  Kitab  Tarykh  it  is  told  that  in  ancient  times  under  the 
kings  of  Persia  named  Moah,  who  followed  the  rules  of  justice, 
men  were  happy.  But  after  these  kings,  Izdegherd-ibn- 
Chahryar  reigned  over  Persia.  By  his  harsh  tyranny  he 
destroyed  the  high  reputation  of  the  kings  of  Persia  and 
wretchedly  closed  a  series  of  reigns  lasting  4,000  years  and 
noted  all  over  the  world  for  justice  and  equity.  Under  the 
rule  of  this  miserable  tyrant  countless  numbers  of  men  perished 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  167 

and  a  great  many  prosperous  and  famous  cities  were  devas- 
tated. All  the  better  classes  of  citizens  were  plunged  into  the 
most  frightful  distress  and  the  most  lamentable  desolation, 
and  it  would  be  impossible  to  tell  how  great  and  wide-spread 
was  the  mourning.  Now  while  all  were  groaning  in  affliction 
the  King  made  merry. 

One  day  in  his  presumptuous  pride  he  assembled  his  min- 
isters and  his  generals  to  show  his  royal  power  and  his  domi- 
nation over  the  people.  He  was  seated  on  his  throne,  surrounded 
by  a  crowd  of  courtiers,  when  suddenly  a  beautiful  horse  cross- 
ing the  city  at  a  gallop  went  straight  into  the  palace  of  the 
King,  among  the  ministers  and  the  grandees.  They  all  ad- 
mired the  beautiful  horse,  the  like  of  which  none  had  ever 
seen.  Nobody  dared  to  seize  him  as  he  pranced  from  right  to 
left.  Suddenly  the  horse  approached  the  throne  and  laid  down 
at  the  feet  of  the  King.  The  King  patted  and  stroked  him, 
and  the  horse  never  moved.  Then  the  wicked  King  began  to 
laugh  and  said :  "  O  my  ministers,  you  see  how  far  my  great- 
ness goes.  It  is  only  at  my  throne  that  this  wonderful  horse 
has  stopped.  I  will  mount  and  ride  him  on  the  esplanade." 
The  King  ordered  a  saddle  brought,  and  was  placing  it  on  the 
horse  with  his  own  hands,  when  he  received  such  a  kick  over 
the  heart  that  he  was  immediately  killed.  Then  the  wonderful 
horse  vanished,  and  no  one  saw  where  it  went.  The  people  all 
rejoiced  and  said,  "  Of  a  truth,  this  mysterious  horse  was 
one  of  the  angels  of  God  sent  to  exterminate  a  tyrant." 

It  was  in  the  time  of  this  King,  and  by  his  tyranny,  that  the 
kingdom  of  the  sovereign  of  Persia  was  ruled  and  fell  into  the 
hands  of  another  people.  King  Khochtacab,  the  most  cele- 
brated of  all  the  kings  of  his  time,  by  his  power,  greatness,  and 
magnificence,  had  raised  in  rank  a  man  named  Rassat  Rouchin, 
a  name  which  in  Persia  signifies  "  sincere  and  brilliant."  In- 
fluenced by  this  fine  name,  the  King  forgot  all  prudence,  and 
without  any  proof  of  his  capacity  he  raised  this  man  to  power 
and  made  him  minister,  turning  over  to  him  tlie  care  of  the 
most  important  affairs  in  his  kingdom  and  giving  him  all  his 
confidence.  His  ostensible  conduct  was  irreproachable,  and  his 
acts  had  for  everybody  the  appearance  of  honesty  and  truth. 
One  day  the  minister  Rassat  Rouchin  said  to  the  King :  "  The 
people,  on  account  of  our  leniency  and  goodness,  are  forgetting 


1 68  MALAYAN   LITERATURE 

their  duty,  and  are  showing  no  more  deference  nor  respect 
We  must  inspire  them  with  fear,  or  affairs  will  not  prosper." 

The  King  in  his  blind  confidence  responded,  "  Do  whatever 
you  think  is  right."  As  soon  as  the  minister  had  come  from 
the  palace  of  the  King  he  addressed  a  proclamation  to  the 
towns  and  villages  in  which  he  said :  "  His  Majesty  is  irri- 
tated with  his  subjects.  You  must  all  come  with  presents  to 
appease  his  anger."  From  all  sides  arrived  princes  and  min- 
isters and  grandees  of  the  realm,  with  precious  and  magnificent 
objects.  Seized  with  fear  they  sought  counsel  of  the  minister 
Rassat  Rouchin. 

*'  How,"  said  they,  "  dare  we  present  ourselves  before  his 
Majesty  in  his  present  state  of  anger  against  us?" 

Then  the  minister  responded :  "  If  the  instant  of  death  is 
not  yet  come  for  you,  I  will  try  to  save  you.  I  tremble  to  admit 
you  to  the  King.  But  what  can  I  do?  On  account  of  the 
critical  situation  I  will  go  alone  before  the  King  and  present 
your  case."  So  every  day  he  conducted  them  only  as  far  as  the 
door  of  the  King.  There  they  were  told  of  the  fines  to  which 
they  had  been  condemned.  He  took  in  this  way  what  they 
had,  and  sent  them  home. 

This  sort  of  thing  continued  for  a  long  while  until  the  means 
of  the  people  were  exhausted  and  the  treasury  became  abso- 
lutely empty.  The  King,  always  full  of  confidence  in  the  up- 
rightness of  the  minister,  was  in  complete  ignorance  of  all 
this.  But  at  that  time  there  was  a  king  who  was  an  enemy 
of  King  Khochtacab.  When  he  learned  that  the  subjects  of 
the  latter  were  suffering  cruelly  from  the  oppression  of  his 
minister  and  that  his  generals  were  weakened  by  hunger,  he 
took  heart  and  invaded  the  kingdom.  Then  King  Khochtacab 
commanded  that  his  treasury  should  be  opened,  and  that  they 
should  take  out  all  the  wealth  to  gratify  the  army,  gain  the 
hearts  of  the  generals,  and  defray  the  expenses  of  the  war.  But 
he  found  that  there  was  nothing  left  in  the  treasury.  The 
army,  weakened,  was  incapable  of  resisting.  The  King,  shut 
up  in  his  fort,  found  it  impossible  to  attack  the  enemy,  and  they 
ravaged  and  despoiled  the  kingdom. 

The  King,  having  been  considered  so  great,  was  cruelly 
wounded  by  shame  at  his  defeat.  He  knew  not  which  way 
to  turn  his  steps.     His  soul  was  profoundly  troubled.     One 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  169 

day,  when  he  had  gone  forth  from  the  city,  wandering  at  ran- 
dom through  plain  and  forest,  he  saw  a  shepherd's  hut  in  the 
distance,  at  the  door  of  which  were  two  dogs  hanging  by  the 
neck.  Seeing  the  King,  the  shepherd  approached  and  led 
him  to  his  hovel  and  served  him  with  the  best  food  he  could 
afford.    But  the  King  said : 

"  I  shall  not  eat  until  you  have  told  me  why  you  have 
hanged  these  two  dogs  at  your  cabin-door." 

The  shepherd  responded :  "  O  king  of  the  world,  I  hanged 
these  two  dogs  because  they  betrayed  my  flock.  As  my  flock 
was  wasting  away,  I  hid  one  day  to  see  what  took  place.  The 
wolf  came  and  the  dogs  played  with  him  and  let  him  carry  off 
sheep  and  goats.  So  I  hanged  the  two  dogs  as  faithless  trai- 
tors." 

The  King  returned  to  the  city  and  thought  over  this  singu- 
lar story.  "  It  is  a  lesson  for  me,"  he  said,  "  a  revelation.  It 
is  impossible  not  to  see  that  my  subjects  are  the  flock  and  I 
am  the  shepherd,  while  my  minister  has  acted  like  the  shep- 
herd's dogs,  and  the  enemy  who  has  my  kingdom  is  the  wolf. 
I  must  examine  into  the  conduct  of  my  minister  and  see  with 
what  fidelity  he  has  served  me." 

When  he  had  returned  to  the  palace  he  called  his  secre- 
taries and  bade  them  bring  the  registers  in  which  the  accounts 
of  the  kingdom  were  kept.  When  these  registers  were 
opened  he  saw  that  they  mentioned  only  the  name  of  the  min- 
ister Rassat  Rouchin,  and  included  such  statements  as :  "  In- 
tercession of  Rassat  Rouchin  in  favor  of  princes  so  and  so, 
ministers  such  and  such,  and  grandees  this  and  that,  who  ask 
pardon  for  their  faults.  Rassat  Rouchin  took  their  treasures 
and  granted  them  grace."  There  was  nothing  else  in  the  reg- 
isters.   When  the  King  saw  this  he  said : 

*'  Who  rests  his  faith  upon  a  name  goes  often  without  bread, 
While  he  who  faithless  proves  for  bread  shall  lose  his  soul  instead." 

These  words  the  King  had  engraved  in  letters  of  gold  and 
fastened  to  the  gate.  And  at  this  gate  he  had  the  false  minis- 
ter hanged  as  the  dogs  were  hanged  at  the  cabin-door. 

A  King  of  Persia,  in  a  fit  of  anger  against  his  wife  for  a  cer- 
tain fault  which  she  had  committed,  commanded  his  prime 
minister  to  put  her  to  death,  together  with  her  nursing  in- 


I70  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

fant.  The  minister,  on  account  of  the  furious  anger  of  the 
King,  did  not  dare  to  plead  the  Queen's  cause,  but  took  her 
to  his  mother's  house.  The  minister  found  another  woman 
who  had  been  condemned  to  death  and  had  her  executed,  tell- 
ing the  King  that  it  was  the  Queen  who  was  beheaded.  The 
King's  child  grew  and  flourished  until  he  had  become  a  hand- 
some young  man.  But  the  King  grew  more  and  more  morose 
and  melancholy,  and  shut  himself  up  in  the  palace.  The  min- 
ister, noticing  this  continual  sadness  of  the  King,  said : 

"  O  king  of  the  world,  what  has  come  over  the  heart  of  your 
Majesty?    Pray  tell  me  the  cause  of  your  sorrow." 

And  the  King  said :  "  O  minister,  how  should  I  not  be  sad 
and  disturbed  ?  Here  I  am  getting  old  and  I  have  no  son  to 
cause  my  name  to  live  and  protect  my  kingdom.  That  is  the 
cause  of  my  sorrow  and  unhappiness." 

When  the  minister  heard  these  words  he  said,  "  O  king  of 
the  world,  your  sorrow  shall  not  long  endure,  for  you  have  a 
son,  capable  of  preserving  and  protecting  your  kingdom. 
This  son  of  yours  has  intelligence,  education,  natural  gifts, 
and  great  personal  beauty,  and  is  of  most  excellent  charac- 
ter." 

The  King  said,  "  Where  is  this  son  of  whose  existence  I 
have  been  unaware  ?  " 

The  minister  answered,  "  Your  Majesty  is  not  aware  of  his 
existence,  but  I  know  that  he  is  very  much  alive."  The  min- 
ister then  related  how  he  had  spared  the  lives  of  the  Queen 
and  her  child.  The  King  was  transported  with  joy,  and  cried, 
"  Happy  the  king  who  has  such  a  minister !  " 

The  minister  bowed  low  and  said,  "  When  shall  your  son, 
the  prince,  present  himself?  " 

The  King  answered :  "  Go  seek  forty  young  men  of  his 
age,  build,  figure,  and  complexion.  Have  them  all  dressed 
alike.  Bring  these  forty  young  men  with  my  son  to  a  cer- 
tain place  in  the  plain.  Await  me  there,  but  tell  not  this  secret 
to  a  soul.  When  I  have  arrived  at  the  spot  then  cause  these 
forty  young  men  to  present  themselves  before  me.  If  my  son 
is  among  them  I  shall  most  certainly  recognize  him." 

The  minister  took  leave  of  the  King,  and  with  a  heart  filled 
with  joy  set  about  doing  what  the  King  had  ordered.  When 
the  King  had  arrived  at  the  spot  chosen  his  minister  ad- 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  171 

vanced,  followed  by  forty-one  youths,  all  dressed  alike.  As 
soon  as  the  King  had  seen  them  he  recognized  his  son  and 
called  him  to  his  side.  Then  he  went  back  to  the  city  with 
him  and  all  the  grandees.  The  next  day  he  invited  the  latter 
to  a  great  festival,  and  gave  to  each  of  them  a  splendid  pres- 
ent. He  turned  over  his  kingdom  to  his  son,  taking  care  to 
place  him  and  his  government  under  the  tutelage  of  the  good 
minister  who  had  saved  his  wife  and  brought  him  up.  Then 
the  King  went  into  a  religious  retreat,  and  as  long  as  he  lived 
occupied  himself  in  the  service  of  God. 

The  Sultan  Alexander,  called  the  Two-Horned,  at  the  be- 
ginning of  his  reign  sent  an  ambassador  to  King  Darius,  who 
was  then  at  the  zenith  of  his  greatness.  On  his  return,  this 
ambassador  made  his  report  to  King  Alexander.  The  latter 
read  it,  but  had  doubts  over  a  certain  word  therein  contained. 
He  questioned  his  ambassador  about  the  word,  saying,  **  Did 
you  hear  that  exact  word  from  the  mouth  of  King  Darius  ?  " 

The  ambassador  replied,  "  I  heard  it  with  my  own  ears." 

King  Alexander,  not  being  able  to  believe  it,  wrote  a  sec- 
ond letter,  mentioning  this  word,  and  despatched  to  King 
Darius  another  ambassador,  charged  to  deliver  it.  When 
King  Darius,  reading  the  letter  of  King  Alexander,  came  to 
this  special  word,  he  took  a  knife  and  cut  it  out,  then  wrote 
a  letter  to  King  Alexander,  in  which  he  said :  "  The  sincerity 
of  the  soul  of  the  King  is  the  foundation  of  his  realm  and  his 
greatness.  His  words,  therefore,  should  be  faithfully  trans- 
mitted and  reproduced  by  his  ambassador.  I  have  cut  out  of 
your  letter  a  certain  word,  because  it  was  never  pronounced 
by  me.  And  if  your  former  ambassador  were  only  here  I 
would  cut  out  his  lying  tongue  even  as  I  have  cut  out  the  word 
from  your  letter." 

When  this  answer  of  King  Darius*s  was  borne  to  King  Al- 
exander he  read  it  and  summoned  before  him  the  faithless 
ambassador.  "  Why,"  said  he,  "  were  you  wilHng,  with  a 
word,  to  cause  the  loss  of  many  men  and  countries  ?  " 

"  Because  they  showed  me  little  deference  and  did  not  treat 
me  well." 

King  Alexander  said :  "  FooHsh  man !  And  you  thought 
that  we  sent  you  to  look  after  your  own  personal  interests,  and 
neglect  those  of  the  nation  ?  "  He  commanded  that  his  tongue 


172  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

should  be  torn  out,  and  made  a  proclamation,  saying,  "  This 
is  the  fate  of  traitors  who  falsely  report  the  words  of  kings." 

In  the  Kitab  Tarykh  the  following  is  recounted :  The  Sul- 
tan Homayoun  sent  an  ambassador  to  the  King  of  Khoras- 
san.  When  this  ambassador,  on  his  arrival  in  the  country, 
had  delivered  the  letter  of  the  Sultan  to  the  King,  the  latter 
asked : 

*'  How  does  your  King  conduct  himself  regarding  his  sub- 
jects ?    How  does  he  govern  them  ?  " 

"  The  rule  of  conduct  and  the  mode  of  government  used  by 
my  King,"  answered  the  ambassador,  "  are  to  make  himself 
loved  by  all  his  subjects." 

The  King  asked,  *'  Of  what  nature  is  the  affection  of  your 
King  for  his  subjects  ?  " 

"  That  of  a  mother  and  father  for  their  children  and  grand- 
children." 

"  In  hard  and  calamitous  times,  how  does  your  King  con- 
duct himself?  " 

**  He  shows  that  he  cares  not  for  riches,  for  the  door  of  his 
treasury  is  always  open." 

"  In  the  daily  receptions  how  does  your  King  behave  ?  " 

"  The  receptions  of  my  King  resemble  the  gardens  of  Para- 
dise refreshed  by  sweet  breezes  and  scented  with  the  balmy 
breath  of  sweetly  smelling  plants  or  like  a  sea  filled  with 
pearls  and  corals." 

The  King  asked  again,  "  And  in  council  how  speaks  your 
King?" 

The  ambassador  answered,  "  All  those  who  hear  my  King 
in  council  become  wise  if  they  lack  wisdom,  and  brave  if  they 
lack  courage." 

The  King  of  Khorassan  was  enchanted  with  the  answers 
of  the  ambassador,  loaded  him  with  presents,  and  said  to  him : 
"  The  spirit  and  judgment  of  your  King  are  reflected  in  the 
person  of  his  ambassador.  They  should  all  be  like  you."  And 
he  addressed  in  answer  to  the  Sultan  a  letter  filled  with  com- 
pliments and  felicitations. 

In  the  Kitab  Tarykh  it  is  related  that  the  Sultan  Mahmoud 
was  fond  of  his  servant  Ayaz  on  account  of  the  excellence  of 
his  wit  and  judgment.  The  other  servants  of  the  Sultan  were 
jealous  of  Ayaz,  and  murmured  against  him.     One  day  the 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  173 

ministers  and  grandees  were  in  the  presence  of  the  Sultan 
Mahmoud,  and  Ayaz  was  standing  respectfully  before  him. 
Someone  brought  a  cucumber  as  a  present  to  the  Sultan.  The 
Sultan  sliced  it  and  ate  a  morsel.  He  found  it  very  bitter,  but 
gave  no  sign  of  this.  He  handed  a  piece  of  it  to  Ayaz,  saying, 
"  Eat  some  of  this  cucumber  and  tell  me  how  it  tastes,  so  that 
the  others  present  may  eat  some  of  it  also,  and  tell  us  if  they 
ever  ate  anything  Hke  it."  Ayaz  saluted,  and  ate  of  the  cu- 
cumber with  an  appearance  of  pleasure. 

*'  It  is  very  good." 

The  King  made  the  others  eat  of  it.  They  found  that  it 
was  bitter,  and  were  angry  with  Ayaz,  and  asked  how  he  dare 
to  lie  in  such  a  manner. 

"  It  is  true,"  said  the  Sultan ;  "  how  could  you  say  it  was 
good?" 

Ayaz  answered  with  respect :  "  May  the  Lord  bless  the 
king  of  the  world!  How  many  favors  have  you  given  me! 
How  many  sweet  and  savory  dainties !  How,  then,  could  I 
make  a  wry  face  over  one  bitter  morsel  ?  I  ought,  on  the  con- 
trary, to  declare  that  the  bitterness  of  this  mouthful  is  com- 
pletely annulled  by  the  delicious  sweetness  of  the  others,  so 
that  your  Majesty  shall  continue  to  bestow  dainties  upon  me 
as  before." 

A  certain  king,  vain  of  his  royal  power,  had  a  servant  who 
was  very  pious  and  a  true  believer,  very  punctilious  in  the 
practice  of  his  religious  duties.  The  King  distinguished  him 
above  all  the  others  as  one  in  whom  he  could  trust  on  account 
of  the  integrity  of  his  heart.  He  had  given  him  this  order: 
"  Go  not  far  away  from  here,  day  or  night.  Keep  close  watch, 
and  neglect  not  my  service."  The  servant,  after  finishing  his 
religious  duties,  took  his  post,  where  the  King  from  time  to 
time  sent  for  him.  But  the  King  had  need  of  him,  and  he  was 
not  to  be  found.  They  sent  to  look  for  him,  but  in  vain,  and 
the  King  grew  very  angry  with  him.  Finally  the  servant  ar- 
rived and  prostrated  himself  before  the  King.  The  latter,  full 
of  wrath,  demanded : 

"  Why  are  you  late  ?  Why  don't  you  pay  attention  to  my 
orders  ?  "  And  he  commanded  that  the  man  be  punished,  to 
make  him  more  attentive  to  the  King's  service. 

But  the  servant  replied,  **  If  I  am  late,  it  is  only  on  ac- 


174  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

count  of  the  great  embarrassment  in  which  I  find  myself 
placed." 

"  What  embarrassment  ?    Tell  me." 

The  servant,  bowing  low,  spoke  as  follows :  "  My  embar- 
rassment comes  from  the  fact  that  I  have  two  masters  to  serve. 
The  first  is  the  true  Master,  he  who  created  the  universe  and 
the  children  of  Adam,  whose  punishments  are  very  severe. 
The  second  is  only  the  servant  of  the  former,  and  not  the  true 
master.  I  am  obliged  to  attend  to  the  service  of  the  true  Mas- 
ter before  the  service  of  the  second.  That  is  the  embarrass- 
ment in  which  I  find  myself." 

When  the  King  heard  these  words  he  shed  abundant  tears, 
and  said :  "  From  this  day  forth  you  are  free.  Follow  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Lord,  and  do  not  forget  to  pray  for  me." 

The  servants  of  the  King  should  love  their  King  more  than 
they  love  their  own  life,  their  mother,  their  father,  their  chil- 
dren, their  grandchildren,  their  family,  their  riches,  and  all 
that  belongs  to  them.  In  a  word,  for  them  the  person  of  their 
King  should  be  above  all,  so  that  one  may  call  them  true  ser- 
vants of  the  King,  and  that  in  all  truth  they  may  be  termed 
his  favorites.  They  tell  the  story  that  one  day  the  Sultan 
Mahmoud  Ghazi  (may  grace  be  upon  him !)  was  seated  on  his 
throne,  surrounded  by  his  ministers  and  his  officers,  among 
whom  was  Ayaz.    The  Sultan  said  to  his  treasurer : 

"  Go  to  the  treasure-chamber.  Take  to  a  certain  place  gold, 
silver,  precious  stones,  and  other  objects  of  great  value.  For 
we  are  going  there  to  amuse  ourselves,  and  present  these 
treasures  to  those  who  shall  accompany  us." 

One  day  the  Sultan  started  to  go  and  amuse  himself  at  that 
place,  and  as  soon  as  the  news  spread  abroad,  a  great  number 
of  people  followed  him  there.  When  he  arrived  he  halted  at 
a  spot  level,  clean,  and  well  Hghted,  and  said  to  his  treasurer : 

"  Expose  my  treasures  here,  in  this  place,  so  that  all  those 
who  are  happy  shall  obtain  a  present  according  to  their  de- 
gree of  happiness,  and  that  one  may  know  who  are  those  who 
have  the  most  luck  and  those  who  have  the  least." 

All  hearing  these  words  quickly  approached,  pressing  for- 
ward, with  their  eyes  wide  open  and  their  looks  fixed  on  the 
treasurer,  praying  him  to  exhibit  the  presents  at  the  desig- 
nated place.     At  this  very  moment  the  Sultan  spurred  his 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  175 

horse  to  a  gallop  and  rode  from  their  presence.  When  he  was 
far  away  and  out  of  their  sight,  he  stopped  and  looked  be- 
hind him.  There  he  saw  Ayaz,  the  only  one  who  had  followed 
him.  The  others,  preoccupied  with  getting  their  share  of  the 
treasures,  never  suspected  that  the  Sultan  had  gone  and  was 
already  far  away  from  them.  The  Sultan,  halting  a  moment, 
returned  to  the  city. 

On  their  side,  the  ministers  and  the  grandees,  having  taken 
possession  of  the  most  precious  objects,  returned  joyfully  to 
their  homes.  On  the  way  they  compared  notes  with  each 
other  about  their  shares  of  the  treasure.  One  said,  "  I  had  the 
best  luck  " ;  and  another,  "  No,  I  had  the  best."  And  all, 
whoever  they  were,  said  the  same  thing,  for  all  except  Ayaz 
had  their  share  of  the  King's  presents.  So  they  said  among 
themselves,  "  It  is  clear  that  the  one  who  has  no  luck  is 
Ayaz." 

Some  jealous  ones  added :  "  In  truth.  Master  Ayaz  has  no 
luck  at  all.  By  his  lack  of  intelligence  and  good  judgment  he 
has  had  none  of  the  Sultan's  presents." 

Ayaz  heard  all  these  remarks,  but  kept  silence.  Some  days 
later,  the  Sultan  came  out  of  his  palace  and  sat  upon  the 
throne.  All  the  grandees  came  into  his  presence.  Ayaz  was 
standing  before  him.    The  Sultan  asked : 

"  Who  among  you  had  no  luck  ?  " 

The  ministers  answered :  "  It  is  Ayaz !  He  did  not  get  a 
single  one  of  your  Majesty's  many  presents.  It  is  clear  that 
he  has  no  luck,  for  he  left  all  those  precious  objects  and  came 
back  with  empty  hands." 

The  Sultan  said :  "  O  Ayaz,  are  our  presents  without  value 
in  your  eyes,  that  you  disdain  them?  I  don't  know  why  you 
took  nothing  that  was  within  your  grasp.  You  would  have 
prevented  them  from  saying  that  you  have  no  luck.  What 
was  your  motive  in  doing  a  thing  that  has  the  approbation  of 
nobody  ?  " 

Ayaz  responded :  "  May  the  days  and  prosperity  of  the 
King  increase !  May  the  presents  never  tarnish  that  he  has 
given  to  his  servants.  As  for  me,  I  have  more  luck  than  those 
who  received  the  presents  of  your  Majesty." 

The  Sultan  said,  "  O  Ayaz,  prove  to  me  the  truth  of  your 
words." 


176  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Ayaz  responded :  "  If  they  found  some  part  in  the  lar- 
gesses which  were  given  them,  I  found  the  author  himself 
of  those  great  gifts.  If  they  found  gold,  I  found  the  master 
of  the  gold.  If  others  found  silver,  I  found  the  master  of  sil- 
ver. If  others  found  precious  stones,  I  found  the  master  of 
precious  stones.  If  others  yet  found  some  pearls,  I  found  the 
ocean  of  pearls.  Who,  therefore,  O  king  of  the  world,  among 
all  those  who  vaunt  themselves  as  having  luck,  has  more  than 
I  have?" 

The  Sultan  replied :  "  O  Ayaz,  tell  me  what  is  the  meaning 
of  your  words.    Where  is  all  that  which  you  say  you  found  ?  " 

Ayaz  responded :  "  May  the  most  high  protect  the  person 
of  the  king  of  the  world,  more  precious  to  me  than  all  those 
objects  of  price !  In  whatever  place  may  be  his  august  per- 
son, there  I  am,  and  I  thus  obtain  all  that  my  heart  desires. 
When  I  am  with  your  Majesty,  and  your  Majesty  is  with  me, 
what  do  I  lack  ?    Who,  then,  has  more  luck  than  I  have  ?  " 

One  day  the  Sultan  Alexander  was  plunged  in  sadness,  and 
kept  himself  shut  up  in  his  palace.  The  wise  Aristotle  came 
before  him,  and  seeing  him  absorbed  in  sad  thoughts,  asked 
him: 

"  Why  is  the  Sultan  so  sad  and  what  keeps  him  from  going 
out  of  his  palace  ?  " 

The  Sultan  Alexander  answered :  "  I  am  grieving  at  the 
thought  of  the  smallness  of  this  world,  and  of  all  the  troubles 
I  am  giving  myself  and  others  for  the  sake  of  reigning  over  a 
world  that  is  so  little  worth.  It  is  the  vanity  of  my  works 
that  renders  me  sad." 

Aristotle  replied :  "  The  reflection  of  the  Sultan  is  just,  for 
what,  in  truth,  is  the  world?  Certainly  it  has  not  enough 
importance  by  itself  that  the  Sultan  should  occupy  himself 
with  a  vain  kingdom.  But  the  government  of  this  world  is  a 
mark  of  the  sublime  and  eternal  kingdom  of  the  other  world, 
and  this  kingdom  the  Sultan  can  obtain  by  governing  this 
present  world  with  justice.  Your  Majesty  must  therefore 
give  all  his  cares  to  the  government  of  this  world,  to  obtain 
finally  in  the  other  world  a  kingdom  of  which  the  greatness  is 
beyond  measure  and  the  duration  is  eternal." 

The  Sultan  Alexander  heard  with  pleasure  the  words  of 
his  wise  counsellor. 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  177 

Two  qualities  are  essential  to  kings,  generosity  and  mag- 
nanimity. When  a  minister  remarks,  in  his  king,  sentiments 
unworthy  of  his  rank,  he  should  warn  him  of  the  fact,  and 
should  turn  him  from  unworthy  actions.  They  tell  that  a 
king,  having  made  a  gift  of  500  dirhems,  his  minister  said  to 
him :  "  I  have  heard  from  the  mouth  of  wise  men  that  it  is 
not  permitted  to  kings  to  make  a  present  of  less  than  1,000 
dirhems !  " 

One  day  Haroun-er-Raschid  made  a  gift  of  500  tahil.  His 
minister,  named  Yahya,  made  by  signs  and  by  gestures  every 
effort  to  prevent  him  from  doing  this.  When  all  those  who 
had  been  present  were  gone,  Haroun-er-Raschid  said : 

"  O  Yahya !  what  were  you  trying  to  do  with  all  your 
signs  ?  " 

The  latter  replied :  "  O  prince  of  true  believers !  I  was 
trying  to  say  that  kings  should  never  let  it  be  seen  that  they 
are  capable  of  making  presents  of  less  than  1,000  dirhems." 

One  day  King  Mamoun-er-Raschid  heard  his  minister, 
named  Abbas,  say  to  a  servant,  "  Go  to  the  bazaar  and  buy 
something  with  this  half-tahil." 

Mamoun-er-Raschid  was  angry  with  him  and  said :  "  You 
are  capable  of  dividing  a  tahil  in  two !  That  is  not  proper  in 
a  minister;  you  are  not  worthy  of  the  name,"  and  he  forth- 
with desposed  him  from  office. 

In  the  Kitab  Sifat-el-Molouk  it  is  related  that  the  King 
Chabour,  giving  his  last  instructions  to  his  son,  said  as  fol- 
lows :  "  O  my  son !  whenever  you  make  a  present  to  anyone, 
do  not  bestow  it  with  your  own  hands.  Do  not  even  examine 
or  have  brought  into  your  own  presence  the  gifts  that  you 
make.  Whenever  you  give  a  present,  see  that  it  be  at  least 
the  equivalent  of  the  revenue  of  a  town  in  value,  so  that  it 
will  enrich  the  recipients,  and  make  them  and  their  children 
and  grandchildren  free  from  adversity.  Furthermore,  my 
child,  beware  all  your  life  of  giving  yourself  up  to  operations 
of  commerce  in  your  kingdom.  For  this  kind  of  affairs  is 
unworthy  a  king  who  has  greatness  of  character,  prosperity, 
and  birth." 

King  Harmuz  received  one  day  a  letter  from  his  minister 
in  which  he  said :  "  Many  merchants  being  in  town  with  a 
great  quantity  of  jewels,  pearls,  hyacinths,  rubies,  diamonds, 

IS 


178  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

and  other  precious  stones,  I  bought  all  they  had  for  your 
Majesty,  paying  200,000  tahil.  Immediately  afterward  there 
arrived  some  merchants  from  another  country  who  wanted 
to  buy  these  and  offered  me  a  profit  of  200,000  tahil.  If  the 
King  consents  I  will  sell  the  jewels,  and  later  buy  others." 

King  Harmuz  wrote  to  his  minister  the  following  response : 
"  What  are  200,000  tahil  ?  What  are  400,000  tahil,  profit  in- 
cluded? Is  that  worth  talking  about  and  making  so  much 
ado  ?  If  you  are  going  into  the  operations  of  commerce  who 
will  look  after  the  government?  If  you  buy  and  sell,  what 
will  become  of  the  merchants?  It  is  evident  that  you  would 
destroy  thus  our  good  renown,  and  that  you  are  the  enemy 
of  the  merchants  of  our  kingdom,  for  your  designs  would 
ruin  them.  Your  sentiments  are  unworthy  a  minister."  And 
for  this  he  removed  him  from  office. 

In  the  Kitab  Sifat-el-Houkama  it  is  said :  "  There  is  a  great 
diversity  of  inclinations  among  men.  Everyone  has  his  own 
propensity.  One  is  borne  naturally  toward  riches,  another 
toward  patience  and  resignation,  another  toward  study  and 
good  works.  And  in  this  world  the  humors  of  men  are  so 
varied  that  they  all  differ  in  nature.  Among  this  infinite 
variety  of  dispositions  of  soul,  that  which  best  suits  kings  and 
ministers  is  greatness  of  character,  for  that  quality  is  the  orna- 
ment of  royalty. 

"  One  day  the  minister  of  the  Sultan  Haroun-er-Raschid 
was  returning  from  the  council  of  state  to  his  house  when 
he  was  approached  by  a  beggar  who  said :  '  O  Yahya !  misery 
brings  me  to  you.     I  pray  you  give  me  something.' 

"  When  Yahya  had  arrived  at  his  house  he  made  the  beggar 
sit  down  at  the  door,  and  calling  an  attendant  said  to  him: 
'  Every  day  give  this  man  1,000  dinars,  and  for  his  food  give 
him  his  part  in  the  provisions  consumed  in  your  house.' 

'*  They  say  that  for  a  month  the  beggar  came  every  day 
and  sat  at  Yahya's  door,  and  received  the  sum  of  1,000  dinars. 
When  he  had  received  them  at  the  end  of  the  month,  30,000 
dinars,  the  beggar  went  away.  When  informed  of  his  de- 
parture, Yahya  said :  '  By  the  Lord !  if  he  had  not  gone  away, 
and  had  come  to  my  door  for  the  rest  of  his  life,  I  should  have 
given  him  the  same  daily  ration.'  " 

In  the  Kitab  Tarykh  the  following  is  told:  "There  was 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  179 

once  upon  a  time  a  Persian  king  named  Khrosrou,  remarkable 
among  all  the  kings  of  Persia  for  his  power,  his  greatness  of 
character,  his  goodness,  and  the  purity  of  his  morals.  His 
wife,  named  Chirine,  was  of  a  rare  beauty,  and  no  one  at  that 
time  could  be  compared  to  her,  for  she  possessed  all  the  virtues. 
Khrosrou  passionately  loved  Chirine,  and  among  the  books, 
famous  in  the  world,  which  speak  of  loving  couples,  there  is 
one  called  *  Khrosrou  and  Chirine.'  One  day  Khrosrou  was 
seated  in  the  palace  with  his  wife  Chirine,  when  a  fisherman 
brought  in  a  fine  fish  as  a  present  to  Khrosrou.  The  latter 
ordered  them  to  give  him  a  present  of  4,000  dirhems. 

*' '  You  are  wTong,'  said  Chirine. 

"  '  And  why  ?  '  asked  the  King. 

"  *  If,  in  the  future,  you  made  one  of  your  servants  a  present 
of  4,000  dirhems  he  will  not  fail  to  say  forthwith,  "  I  am  con- 
sidered as  the  equal  of  a  fisherman."  If  your  present  is  less 
than  4,000  dirhems,  then  necessarily  he  will  say,  "  I  am  con- 
sidered as  being  less  than  a  fisherman,"  and  your  actions  will 
sadden  his  heart.' 

"  Khrosrou  said :  '  Your  observation  is  just.  But  I  have 
spoken,  and  I  cannot  reverse  what  I  have  said,  for  it  is  shame- 
ful for  a  king  to  fail  in  keeping  his  word.' 

"  Chirine  replied,  *  Never  mind,  I  know  a  way,  and  no  one 
can  say  that  you  broke  your  promise.' 

"  '  What  is  this  way  ?  '  asked  Khrosrou. 

"  Chirine  answered :  *  Put  this  question  to  the  fisherman, 
"  Is  this  a  fresh-water  or  a  salt-water  fish  ?  " 

" '  If  he  answers,  "  It  is  a  fresh-water  fish,"  say,  "  I  want  a 
salt-water  one,"  and  the  contrary.  Then  he  will  go  away  and 
you  will  be  released  from  your  foolish  promise.' 

"  Khrosrou,  who  by  love  of  Chirine  could  not  help  hearing 
her  advice  and  following  it,  put  the  question  to  the  fisherman. 
But  the  latter,  suspecting  a  trap,  said,  '  It  is  both.'  King 
Khrosrou  began  to  laugh,  and  gave  him  4,000  dirhems  in 
addition. 

"  The  fisherman,  having  received  his  8,000  dirhems,  put 
them  in  a  sack  and  went  away.  On  the  journey,  a  dirhem  fell 
to  the  ground,  and  the  fisherman,  lowering  his  sack,  began  to 
search  for  the  dirhem  that  had  fallen.  When  he  found  it,  he 
place'd  it   with  the   others  and  took   up   his   march   again. 


i8o  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

Khrosrou  and  Chirine  had  both  been  witnesses  of  his  action. 
Chirine  said  to  Khrosrou :  *  Behold  the  baseness  and  the 
lack  of  judgment  of  the  fisherman.  He  wearied  himself  to 
hunt  for  one  dirhem  when  he  had  a  sack  full  of  them.  Recall 
him  and  do  him  shame.' 

"  Khrosrou,  who  from  his  love  for  Chirine  was  incapable 
of  resisting  her  words,  and  always  obeyed  them,  recalled  the 
fisherman  and  said  to  him :  *  Of  a  truth,  you  have  a  low  soul, 
and  possess  neither  judgment  nor  dignity.  What!  One  of 
your  8,000  dirhems  was  lost  and  you  deferred  your  journey 
until  you  had  found  it  ?  That  shows  the  baseness  of  your  soul 
and  your  lack  of  judgment.' 

"  The  fisherman  made  obeisance  and  answered :  '  May  the 
prosperity  of  the  king  of  the  world  increase!  I  sought  not 
the  dirhem  on  account  of  its  money  value,  but  only  on  account 
of  the  greatness  and  importance  of  the  words  engraved  upon 
the  coin.  On  one  of  its  sides  is  written  the  name  of  God  most 
high.  On  the  other  side  is  written  the  name  of  the  King. 
Had  I  not  found  the  dirhem,  and  had  left  it  on  the  ground, 
then  people  passing  would  have  trodden  upon  it,  and  the  two 
names  inscribed  upon  it,  and  which  ought  to  be  glorified 
by  all  men,  would  have  been  despised  and  disgraced,  and  I 
would  have  been  the  accomplice  of  all  the  passers-by  who 
trod  upon  it.  That  is  why  I  took  the  trouble  to  find  the 
dirhem.' 

"  Khrosrou  was  pleased  with  this  answer  and  gave  him  still 
another  4,000  dirhems.  The  fisherman,  filled  with  joy,  took 
his  12,000  dirhems  and  returned  to  his  home." 

A  man  had  committed  a  serious  offence  against  King 
Haroun-er-Raschid.  Condemned  to  death,  he  succeeded  in 
escaping.  But  he  had  a  brother.  The  King  summoned  the 
latter  and  said  to  him :  "  Find  your  brother  so  that  I  may 
kill  him.  If  you  do  not  find  him  I  will  kill  you  in  his  place.'* 
This  man  not  finding  his  brother,  the  King  Haroun-er- 
Raschid  ordered  one  of  his  servants  to  bring  him  to  be  killed. 
But  this  servant  said :  "  O  prince  of  believers  !  if  the  one  who 
received  the  command  to  put  this  man  to  death  brings  him 
for  that  purpose  and  at  the  same  time  a  messenger  comes 
from  your  Majesty  with  an  order  not  to  kill  him,  ought  he 
not  to  release  him?" 


MAKOTA   RADJA-RADJA  i8l 

King  Haroun-er-Raschid  answered,  "  He  certainly  ought 
to  release  him,  on  account  of  my  orders." 

"  O  prince  of  believers,"  answered  the  servant,  "  the  Koran 
says,  *  He  who  has  a  burden  shall  not  bear  another's.'  " 

Then  the  King  said :  *'  Set  the  man  free,  for  this  must 
cover  his  case,  and  means  that  the  innocent  should  not  perish 
for  the  guilty." 

They  tell  that,  a  pundit  appearing  one  day  before  the  Sultan 
Ismail  Samani,  King  of  the  country  of  Khorassan,  the  Sultan 
received  him  with  great  distinction,  and  at  his  departure 
saluted  him  most  respectfully  and  escorted  him  to  the  door, 
taking  seven  steps  behind  him. 

The  next  night  he  dreamed  that  the  glorious  prophet  (with 
whom  be  peace!)  spoke  thus  to  him:  '*  O  Ismail,  because 
you  honored  one  of  my  pundits,  I  will  pray  God  that  after  you 
seven  of  your  children  and  grandchildren  shall  become  great 
and  glorious  kings."  They  say  that  for  many  years  the  king- 
dom of  Khorassan  flourished  under  the  paternal  government 
of  the  successors  of  this  Sultan. 

The  Sultan  Abdallah  Tlahir,  as  soon  as  he  had  taken  posses- 
sion of  the  throne  of  Khorassan,  received  the  homage  of  a 
large  number  of  his  subjects.  At  the  end  of  several  days  he 
asked,  "  Is  there  anyone  of  distinction  in  the  country  who 
has  not  come  to  present  himself  before  me  ?  "  They  told  him, 
"  There  are  two  persons  that  have  not  come,  one  named 
Ahmed  Arab,  and  the  other  named  Mahomet  Islam.  But 
these  two  men  never  present  themselves  before  kings  and 
ministers." 

The  Sultan  replied,  "  Since  they  will  not  come  to  find  kings 
and  ministers,  I  must  go  to  them."  So  one  day  the  Sultan 
repaired  to  the  house  of  Ahmed  Arab.  The  latter,  imme- 
diately arising,  remained  standing  a  long  time  facing  the 
Sultan.  Then  regarding  him  fixedly  he  said  to  him :  "  O 
Sultan,  I  had  heard  tell  of  your  beauty,  and  I  now  see  that 
they  spoke  the  truth.  Make  not  of  that  body  the  embers 
of  hell."  Saying  this  he  returned  to  his  prayers.  The 
Sultan  Abdallah  Tlahir  went  away  from  the  sheik's  house 
weeping. 

He  then  betook  himself  to  the  house  of  Mahomet  Islam. 
At  the  news  that  the  Sultan  was  coming  to  see  him,  the  sheik 


1 83  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

shut  the  door  of  his  house,  saying :  "  I  ought  not  to  see  him. 
I  ought  not  to  speak  to  him." 

The  Sultan  departed  in  tears  and  said :  "  Friday,  when  the 
sheik  goes  to  the  mosque  I  will  go  to  him." 

When  Friday  came  he  was  on  horseback,  surrounded  by 
soldiers,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  sheik.  As  soon  as  he  per- 
ceived him,  he  dismounted,  approached  him  on  foot,  and 
saluted  him.  The  sheik  asked:  *' Who  are  you?  What  do 
you  want  of  me  ?  " 

The  Sultan  answered :  "  It  is  I,  Abdallah  Tlahir.  I  have 
come  to  see  the  sheik." 

The  latter,  turning  away  his  face,  said  to  the  Sultan,  "  What 
connection  is  there  between  you  and  me  ?  " 

The  Sultan  fell  at  the  feet  of  the  sheik,  in  tears,  in  the  middle 
of  the  highway,  and,  invoking  God  the  most  high,  spoke  as 
follows,  *'  O  Lord,  forgive  my  faults,  on  account  of  the  many 
virtues  of  this  faithful  sheik."  And  he  was  forgiven  and  be- 
came a  good  man. 

The  imam  El-Chafei  (may  mercy  be  with  him !),  going  from 
the  city  of  Jerusalem  to  the  country  of  Egypt,  halted  in  a  town 
called  Ramla.  One  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  took  him 
into  his  house  and  entertained  him  with  many  attentions.  The 
companions  of  the  imam  El-Chafei  perceived  that  he  felt  a 
certain  inquietude,  but  none  of  them  knew  the  reason  for  it. 
The  more  the  master  of  the  house  showered  his  attentions 
and  civilities,  the  more  disturbed  the  imam  seemed  to  be. 
Finally  at  the  moment  when  the  imam  was  mounting  his  horse 
to  continue  his  journey,  the  master  of  the  house  arrived  and 
put  a  writing  into  his  hands.  On  reading  this,  the  imam  lost  his 
worried  air,  and,  giving  orders  to  pay  the  man  thirty  dinars, 
he  went  on  his  way  rejoicing.  One  of  his  companions  asked 
him: 

"  Why  were  you  so  disturbed  ?  What  did  the  writing  say  ? 
And  why  did  you  show  so  much  joy  in  reading  it?  " 

The  imam  El-Chafei  answered :  "  When  our  host  took  us 
to  his  house  I  noticed  that  his  face  lacked  the  characteristic 
signs  of  honesty.  But  as  he  treated  us  so  well  I  began  to  think 
perhaps  I  was  mistaken  in  judging  him.  But  when  I  read  the 
writing  he  handed  me  I  saw  it  was  as  follows :  *  While  the 
ipi^m  has  been  here  I  have  spent  on  him  ten  dinars.     He  ought 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  183 

therefore  to  pay  me  back  twenty.'  So  then  I  knew  that  I  had 
made  no  error  in  reading  his  character,  and  was  pleased  at 
my  skill." 

The  story  is  told  that  one  day  as  the  prophet  Solomon  was 
seated  on  his  royal  throne,  surrounded  by  men,  spirits,  and 
birds,  two  women  came  before  him,  each  claiming  possession 
of  a  child.  These  two  women  kept  saying,  "  It  is  my  child," 
but  neither  could  give  proof.  All  their  arguments  amounting 
to  nothing,  the  prophet  Solomon  commanded  that  the  child 
should  be  cut  in  two,  and  that  each  woman  should  take  half. 
When  the  executioner  advanced,  drawing  his  sword,  one  of 
the  women  bursting  into  sobs  cried  out  in  anguish :  "  O 
Prophet  Solomon,  don't  kill  the  child.  Give  it  to  this  woman, 
it  is  all  I  ask !  " 

As  the  murder  of  the  child  never  drew  a  tear  nor  a  move- 
ment of  anxiety  from  the  other  woman,  Solomon  commanded 
them  to  give  it  to  the  woman  who  had  wept,  because  her  tears 
proved  her  to  be  the  true  mother,  and  that  the  child  belonged 
to  her,  and  not  to  the  other  woman.  Thus  did  King  Solomon 
show  his  wisdom  in  judging  character. 

O  you  who  are  magnificent !  listen,  I  pray  you,  and  hear  to 
what  degree  of  sublimity  generosity  is  lifted.  In  the  Kitab 
Adab-is-Selathin  it  is  said  that  two  qualities  were  given  by 
God  in  all  their  perfection  to  two  men — ^justice  to  Sultan 
Nouchirvau,  King  of  Persia,  and  generosity  to  a  subject  of 
an  Arab  sultan  named  Hatim-Thai.  The  author  of  that  work 
says  that  in  the  time  of  Hatim-Thai  there  were  three  kings 
celebrated  throughout  the  whole  world,  and  rivals  in  showing 
the  perfection  of  generosity — the  King  of  Roum,  the  King  of 
Syria,  and  the  King  of  Yemen.  But  as  none  of  them  was  as 
famous  as  Hatim-Thai,  they  became  jealous  of  him  and  united 
in  hostility  toward  him.  They  said :  "  We  are  the  kings  of 
vast  countries,  and  shall  we  suffer  a  simple  subject  of  an  Arab 
sultan  to  be  counted  as  more  generous  than  we  are  ?  "  And 
each  of  these  kings  thought  to  try  Hatim-Thai  and  destroy 
him. 

The  first  of  the  three  who  attempted  the  undertaking  was 
the  King  of  Roum.  This  King  said  to  one  of  his  ministers : 
"O  minister,  I  hear  tell  that  there  is  among  the  Arabs  a  man 
named  Hatim-Thai,  and  that  he  is  reputed  the  most  generous 


i84  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

man  in  the  world.  I  am  displeased  that  my  name  is  not  as 
noted  for  generosity  as  his.  I  want  to  make  a  proof  and  see 
if  his  fame  is  true  or  false.  I  have  heard  that  Hatim-Thai 
possesses  a  horse  which  he  loves  as  he  does  his  own  soul. 
Well,  we  will  ask  him  to  give  us  this  beloved  horse." 

The  minister  sent  an  envoy,  with  suitable  presents  and  a 
letter  to  give  to  Hatim-Thai.  He  arrived  in  a  great  storm  of 
wind  and  rain  which  permitted  no  one  to  attend  to  his  affairs 
abroad.  It  was  already  night,  and  Hatim-Thai  had  made  no 
preparations  to  receive  a  guest,  but  he  received  the  stranger 
with  the  marks  of  the  highest  respect  and  greatest  cordiality. 

"  What  need  brings  you  here  to-night  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Nothing  but  to  visit  you,"  replied  the  envoy,  and  he  never 
mentioned  that  evening  his  mission  from  the  King  of  Roum. 

As  there  was  nothing  in  the  house  to  eat,  Hatim-Thai  killed 
his  favorite  horse  and  served  it  for  his  guest's  supper.  As  soon 
as  it  was  day,  the  envoy  presented  the  gifts  and  the  letter  from 
the  King  of  Roum.  When  he  read  the  passage  in  the  letter 
where  the  King  asked  for  the  horse  which  had  just  been  killed, 
Hatim-Thai  turned  pale  and  could  not  say  a  word.  The  en- 
voy, observing  him  in  this  state,  imagined  that  he  regretted 
the  gift  of  his  horse,  and  said : 

"  O  Hatim-Thai,  if  it  is  not  with  pleasure  that  you  give  your 
horse  to  my  master,  think  no  more  about  it,  and  let  me  return 
to  my  country." 

Hatim-Thai  answered :  "  O  envoy  of  the  King  of  Roum ! 
if  I  had  a  thousand  horses  like  that  one  I  should  give  them  all 
without  a  moment's  hesitation.  But  last  night  I  asked  you 
the  motive  which  brought  you  hither,  and  you  said  it  was 
merely  to  visit  me.  So  I  killed  the  horse  for  your  food,  and 
that  is  why  I  am  afflicted  with  sorrow  at  my  lack  of  foresight." 
He  sent  the  envoy  back  home  with  many  other  horses  as  a  gift. 

The  envoy  told  the  whole  story  and  the  King  of  Roum  said : 
"  The  renown  of  Hatim-Thai  is  deserved ;  he  is  the  most  gen- 
erous of  men."  He  made  an  alliance  of  friendship  with  him, 
and  the  fame  of  Hatim-Thai  grew  apace. 

The  second  one  who  tested  Hatim-Thai's  generosity  was 
the  King  of  Syria.  He  said :  "  How  can  Hatim-Thai,  who 
lives  in  the  woods  and  the  plains,  occupied  in  pasturing  goats, 
camels,  and  horses,  be  more  generous  than  so  great  a  King 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  185 

as  I?  I  will  put  him  to  the  proof.  I  will  ask  rich  presents 
that  he  cannot  give,  and  he  will  be  shamed  and  humiliated 
before  kings  and  peoples." 

So  the  King  of  Syria  sent  an  envoy  to  Hatim-Thai  to  ask 
for  100  red  camels  with  long  manes,  black  eyes,  and  very  tall. 
Camels  of  this  sort  are  hard  to  find,  only  kings  having  four 
or  five.  When  the  envoy  had  arrived  he  told  Hatim-Thai 
what  the  King  of  Syria  asked  of  him.  Hatim-Thai  was  full  of 
joy  hearing  the  words  of  the  envoy,  and  hastened  to  regale 
him  bountifully  with  food  and  drink.  Then  he  searched  among 
his  camels,  but  found  none  such  as  the  King  of  Syria  desired. 
He  ordered  search  to  be  made  among  the  peoples  of  his  nation, 
Arabs  and  Bedouins,  offering  a  large  price.  By  the  will  of 
God  a  Bedouin  succeeded  in  finding  100,  and  Hatim-Thai 
asked  only  the  delay  of  one  month  in  payment.  The  envoy 
returned  home  with  the  red  camels  and  many  other  presents. 
Seeing  them,  the  King  of  Syria  was  struck  with  astonishment 
and  cried :  "  Behold,  we  wished  only  to  test  Hatim-Thai,  and 
now  he  has  gone  into  debt  to  satisfy  our  desire.  Yes,  truly 
he  is  the  most  generous  man  in  the  world." 

He  commanded  them  to  send  back  to  Hatim-Thai  the  100 
red  camels  loaded  with  magnificent  presents.  As  soon  as  they 
arrived,  Hatim-Thai  summoned  the  owner  and  gave  him  the 
camels  with  all  their  burden  of  riches,  without  keeping  any- 
thing for  himself.  When  the  envoy,  returning  home  again, 
recounted  all  these  things,  the  King  of  Syria  marvelled  and 
exclaimed :  "  No  one  can  equal  Hatim-Thai.  He  is  gen- 
erosity itself,  in  all  its  perfection." 

The  third  king,  that  is,  the  King  of  Yemen,  was  very  gen- 
erous, and  wanted  no  one  to  rival  him  in  this  particular.  So 
when  he  heard  of  the  fame  of  Hatim-Thai  for  generosity,  he 
was  vexed  and  full  of  sorrow.  He  said :  "  How  can  that 
poor  Hatim  equal  in  generosity  a  great  king  like  me  ?  I  give 
alms  to  the  poor,  I  feed  them,  and  every  day  I  give  them  cloth- 
ing. How  is  it  possible  that  anyone  can  dare  to  mention  the 
name  of  Hatim-Thai  in  my  presence  as  the  most  generous  o£ 
men?" 

Now,  at  that  time  an  ambassador  of  the  King  of  Maghreb 
arrived  at  the  Court  of  the  King  of  Yemen,  who  spoke  of  the 
wonderful  generosity  of  Hatim-Thai.    He  felt  as  if  his  heart 


1 86  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

was  burning,  but  did  not  let  his  grief  appear,  and  said  to  him- 
self: 

"  Everybody  repeats  the  praises  of  Hatim,  one  after  another, 
without  knowing  exactly  who  he  is,  of  what  birth,  and  what 
are  the  means  which  permit  him  thus  to  give  hospitality.  I  shall 
cause  him  to  perish." 

The  King  of  Yemen  summoned  a  Bedouin,  a  bandit  cele- 
brated for  his  ferocity,  without  pity  for  the  life  of  a  man.  The 
Bedouin  arrived,  and  the  King  gave  him  gold,  silver,  and 
clothing.  "  O  Bedouin,"  he  said  to  him,  "  if  you  will  perform 
an  afifair  for  us,  we  will  give  you  whatever  you  ask." 

The  Bedouin  answered :  "  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world, 
what  is  your  Majesty's  will  ?  " 

The  King  of  Yemen  replied :  "  There  is  a  man  named 
Hatim-Thai,  of  the  tribe  of  Thai,  on  the  confines  of  Syria.  Go 
to  this  country,  and  employ  all  the  tricks  you  can  to  kill  him. 
When  you  have  killed  him  bring  me  his  head.  If  you  succeed 
in  doing  as  I  wish,  whatever  you  ask,  it  shall  be  given  you." 

These  words  of  the  King  filled  with  joy  the  Bedouin's  heart. 
He  said  to  himself :  "  Here  is  a  good  piece  of  work.  For  an 
old  tattered  cloak  I  will  kill  a  man.  Why  then  should  I  hesi- 
tate a  moment  for  a  superb  cloak  of  scarlet  ?  " 

Taking  leave  of  the  King,  the  Bedouin  set  out  promptly  and 
went  toward  Syria  in  search  of  Hatim-Thai.  After  a  while 
he  arrived  at  a  village  near  to  Syria,  and  there  he  met  a  young 
man  of  a  rare  beauty.  His  face  bore  the  marks  of  virtue,  his 
language  was  full  of  sweetness  and  affability,  his  soul  was 
righteous,  and  his  heart  compassionate.  He  asked  the 
Bedouin  where  he  was  going.  The  latter  answered,  "  I  am 
from  the  country  of  Yemen,  and  am  going  to  Syria." 

The  young  man  replied :  "  O  my  brother !  I  wish  you  would 
do  me  the  favor  to  rest  for  a  day  and  a  night  in  my  house, 
and  I  will  do  the  best  to  entertain  you.  After  that  you  shall 
go  on  your  journey  when  you  wish." 

The  Bedouin  heard  these  words  with  pleasure,  and  went  into 
the  young  man's  house.  There  he  was  treated  magnificently 
and  regaled  so  lavishly  that  he  thought  he  had  never  seen  and 
eaten  so  much.  He  slept  peacefully  all  night.  At  dawn  he 
said  farewell,  eager  to  gain  the  end  of  his  journey.  The  young 
man  said  to  him :     "  O  my  brother,  if  it  is  possible,  stay  two 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  tS) 

or  three  days  longer,  I  beg  you,  so  that  by  my  hospitality  I 
may  show  all  the  sincere  affection  that  my  heart  feels  for  you." 

The  Bedouin  replied :  "  O  my  brother,  truly  would  I  re- 
main some  time  longer  here,  had  I  not  a  most  important  and 
deHcate  mission  to  fulfil.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  stay  and 
enjoy  myself  here,  while  I  have  not  yet  accomplished  my 
errand." 

The  young  man  answered :  *'  O  my  brother,  what  is  this 
difficult  and  delicate  affair  which  prevents  you  from  staying 
here?  If  you  will  tell  me,  doubtless  I  shall  find  some  means 
of  coming  to  your  aid,  and  lightening  the  burden  which  weighs 
so  heavily  upon  your  heart.  But,  now,  what  can  I  do  since 
you  tell  me  nothing  ?  " 

Hearing  these  words,  the  Bedouin  kept  silence.  He  said 
to  himself :  "  This  affair  is  not  easy  to  execute.  It  might  be 
of  use  for  me  to  have  a  prudent  and  discreet  companion  to 
confer  with  him  about  it.  Perhaps  I  should  do  well  to  talk 
of  it  to  this  young  man  and  ask  his  advice." 

And  nevertheless  he  dared  not  yet  trust  his  secret,  and  his 
perplexity  was  written  on  his  countenance.  He  could  not 
utter  a  single  word,  and  remained  very  anxious. 

The  young  man  observing  the  state  of  the  Bedouin  said  to 
him :  "  O  servant  of  God,  your  embarrassment  is  evident ; 
you  fear  to  open  your  heart  to  me.  God  alone,  in  truth,  knows 
the  secrets  of  his  servants.  But,  in  your  present  situation,  it 
may  be  that  I  can  be  of  some  benefit  to  you." 

The  Bedouin,  hearing  these  words  of  the  young  man,  said 
to  him :  "  O  my  loyal  friend,  know  then  that  I  am  an  Arab- 
Bedouin  of  the  country  of  Yemen ;  that  of  all  the  Bedouins  of 
Arabia  there  is  not  one  so  wicked  nor  so  great  a  thief  as  I,  and 
that  my  fame  as  a  bandit  is  celebrated  throughout  all  Yemen. 
The  King,  having  resolved  upon  a  wicked  deed,  ordered  his 
minister  to  find  a  man  capable  of  performing  it.  As  I  had  the 
reputation  of  being  the  greatest  bandit  of  the  country  of 
Yemen,  I  was  summoned  to  the  presence  of  the  King.  As 
soon  as  his  Majesty  saw  me  he  loaded  me  with  presents  and 
said :  *  If  you  do  as  I  wish  I  will  give  you  many  more  presents 
of  gold  and  silver  and  other  magnificent  things.*  I  replied, 
*  O  my  lord,  king  of  the  world,  what  is  this  affair  ? '  *  You 
must  go  and  kill  a  man  named  Hatim-Thai,  who  lives  on  the 


i8S  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

confines  of  Syria.'  To  this  I  replied :  '  O  my  lord,  king  of  the 
world,  I  am  only  a  Bedouin,  a  poor  robber,  wandering  in  the 
forests  and  the  plains.  For  drink  I  have  but  the  brackish 
water  of  the  marshes.  For  food  I  have  only  rats  and  locusts.' 
On  account  of  my  wretchedness,  I  obeyed  the  wishes  of  the 
King,  and  promised  to  execute  this  affair.  But  here  I  am,  in 
a  very  embarrassing  situation,  for  I  do  not  know  this  Hatim- 
Thai,  and  I  don't  even  know  where  his  tribe  is,  the  Ben-Thai." 

The  young  man,  hearing  these  words,  began  to  laugh,  and 
said :  "  O  my  brother,  be  not  disturbed.  I  know  this  Hatim- 
Thai,  and  I  will  show  him  to  you."  These  words  rejoiced  the 
Bedouin.  The  young  man  continued :  "  O  my  brother,  know 
that  the  tribe  of  Ben-Thai  inhabit  this  village,  and  that  the 
man  named  Hatim-Thai  is  himself  in  this  tribe.  If  you  will 
follow  exactly  what  I  indicate  to  you,  you  will  certainly  ac- 
complish your  mission." 

The  Bedouin  answered :  "  O  my  brother,  I  place  my  life 
in  your  hands.    What  must  be  done  ?  " 

The  young  man  answered :  ''  O  my  brother,  there  is  a  place 
where  Hatim-Thai  goes  for  recreation.  It  is  an  extremely 
deserted  place,  which  no  one  ever  visits.  When  he  gets  there 
he  eats,  drinks,  and  then  he  sleeps,  his  head  covered  with  a 
cloth,  and  his  horse  tied  near  by.  You  will  arrive  at  that  mo- 
ment, you  will  promptly  execute  the  wish  of  the  King,  you 
will  jump  upon  the  horse  and  dash  away  from  this  place  and 
go  wherever  you  like." 

The  young  man  went  then  to  show  the  place  to  the  Bed- 
ouin, and  giving  him  a  poniard  with  two  edges  well  sharp- 
ened, he  said :  "  O  my  brother,  to-morrow  Hatim-Thai  will 
come  to  this  spot.    Forget  nothing  that  you  have  to  do." 

All  the  instruction  of  the  young  man  were  followed  by  the 
Bedouin.  Early  in  the  morning  Hatim-Thai  repaired  to  the 
designated  place.  He  ate,  he  drank,  and  when  he  had  finished 
his  repast  he  tied  his  horse  near  by.  Then,  covering  his  head 
with  a  cloth,  he  fell  fast  asleep.  At  this  very  moment  the 
wicked  Bedouin  arrived.  By  the  will  of  God,  just  as  he  was 
about  to  assassinate  the  young  man,  a  thought  came  into  his 
heart.  "  Hatim-Thai  is  celebrated  throughout  the  whole 
world  for  his  generosity  and  his  benevolence.  Before  I  kill 
him,  while  he  is  still  alive,  I  want  to  see  his  face."      And  he 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  189 

raised  the  cloth  that  covered  his  head.  At  the  sight  of  the 
countenance  of  the  sleeping  young  man  he  fell  at  his  feet  and 
covered  them  with  kisses,  saying :  "  O  my  friend !  What 
have  you  done  ?    You  ought  not  to  act  thus !  " 

Hearing  these  words  of  the  Bedouin,  the  young  man  said : 
"  What  could  I  do  ?  For  the  one  called  Hatim-Thai  is  I.  The 
head  that  the  King  of  Yemen  wants  is  mine.  What  other 
means  could  I  employ  ?  "  He  conducted  the  Bedouin  to  his 
house,  regaled  him  again,  and  gave  him  all  he  needed. 

Then  the  Bedouin  took  leave  and  returned  to  his  country. 
As  soon  as  he  arrived  in  Yemen,  he  went  before  the  King  and 
recounted  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  Hatim-Thai. 

Having  heard  the  story  the  King  shed  tears,  and  said :  "  Of 
a  truth,  Hatim-Thai  is  Hberal,  benevolent,  and  noble,  brave 
and  generous."  Afterward  the  King  of  Yemen  made  a  friend- 
ship with  Hatim-Thai  that  lasted  as  long  as  his  life. 

When  the  Sultan  Yakoub  invaded  Khorassan  and  be- 
sieged the  capital,  the  Sultan  Mahomet,  shut  up  in  the  city, 
made  such  a  strong  resistance  that  for  a  long  time  it  was  im- 
possible to  capture  the  place.  But  his  ministers  betrayed  him 
by  sending  to  Sultan  Yakoub  letters  which  showed  how  it 
might  be  taken.  One  only  of  these  ministers,  named  Ibrahim 
Hadjib,  abstained  from  sending  any  traitorous  letters,  and  re- 
mained faithful  to  his  master.  After  a  while  the  city  was  taken 
and  Sultan  Yakoub  ascended  the  throne.  Then  all  the  most 
important  people  of  the  country  came  to  pay  homage  to  him. 
The  ministers  who  had  betrayed  the  former  Sultan  were  ©on- 
spicuous  in  their  demonstrations  of  joy.  The  Sultan  Yakoub 
gave  a  pleasant  reception  to  those  who  came,  and  made  them 
suitable  gifts. 

After  this  he  asked,  "  Who  has  not  come  to  present  himself 
before  me  on  this  day  of  rejoicing?" 

The  ministers  immediately  answered,  "  Ibrahim  Hadjib  is 
the  only  one  who  has  not  come  to  present  his  congratula- 
tions." 

Then  the  Sultan  asked,  "  Why  has  he  not  done  so  ?  Is  he 
ill?" 

"  No,"  they  answered,  "  he  is  not  ill." 

The  Sultan  summoned  Ibrahim  Hadjib,  and  the  latter  came 
into  the  royal  presence.    The  Sultan,  observing  on  his  coun- 


190  MALAYAN    LITERATURE 

tenance  evident  marks  of  care  and  sorrow,  spoke  thus  to  him : 
"  Ibrahim  Hadjib,  are  you  the  minister  in  whom  the  Suhan 
Mahomet  placed  his  confidence  ?  "  He  replied  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

"  From  what  motive,  Ibrahim  Hadjib,  did  you  keep  silence, 
and  send  me  no  word  of  advice  while  the  ministers  of  Sultan 
Mahomet,  now  here,  sent  many  letters  to  show  me  how  to 
capture  the  city  ?  Why  did  you  refrain  from  appearing  before 
me  at  court  to-day,  at  the  same  time  with  the  ministers  and 
grandees  ?  Why,  now  that  you  are  here,  are  you  the  only  one 
to  wear  a  sad  and  mournful  appearance  and  a  long  face,  while 
all  the  others  show  their  joy?  To  all  these  questions  you 
must  truthfully  respond.  And  if  you  speak  not  the  truth  you 
shall  be  put  to  death." 

"  If  the  Sultan  wishes  to  hear  the  language  of  truth  and 
will  not  be  vexed  by  it,  I  will  reply  to  each  of  his  questions. 
To  the  first  question,  why  I  sent  no  letter  betraying  my  King, 
I  will  say :  Know,  Sultan,  that  the  Sultan  Mahomet  was  the 
King  of  this  country ;  that  he  gave  me  many  presents  and  had 
full  confidence  in  me,  thinking  that  in  the  moment  of  danger 
I  would  be  his  companion  and  his  counsellor.  How  could  I, 
then,  betray  him  ?  I  knew  you  not,  and  had  received  no  bene- 
fits from  you.  Would  it  have  been  just  for  me  to  send  you 
letters  and  cause  the  fall  of  one  who  had  been  so  bountiful 
to  me?  " 

"  Your  words  are  just  and  true,"  said  the  Sultan  Yakoub. 

Ibrahim  Hadjib  continued :  "  As  to  the  question  why  I 
abstained  from  presenting  myself  at  court  to-day,  and  why 
I  wore  so  sorrowful  a  face,  I  answer:  Know  that  I  could  not 
present  myself  before  the  Sultan,  because  he  was  the  enemy 
of  my  master  and  benefactor,  and  brought  about  the  ruin  of 
my  lord.  That  is  why  I  wore  a  sad  face  in  your  presence. 
Beside,  the  children  and  grandchildren  of  my  lord  are  plunged 
in  grief  and  anxiety,  and  how  could  I  be  happy  in  your  pres- 
ence, like  these  hypocrites,  who  are  very  different  elsewhere? 
I  have  told  the  truth." 

When  the  Sultan  Yakoub  had  heard  these  words  of  Ibrahim 
Hadjib,  he  cried :  "  God  be  praised !  Up  to  this  time  I  have 
heard  tell  of  ministers,  I  have  seen  many  kinds,  but  never 
have  I  seen  nor  heard  of  a  minister  like  this  one.    Now,  only 


MAKOTA    RADJA-RADJA  19, 

for  the  first  time  have  I  seen  a  true  minister  and  listened  to 
the  words  of  truth."  The  Sultan  Yakoub  loaded  Ibrahim 
Hadjib  with  favors,  made  him  prime  minister,  and  gave  him 
the  name  of  father.  As  for  the  other  ministers,  he  caused 
them  to  perish,  with  their  whole  families.  Then  he  published 
this  proclamation: 

*'  Behold  the  fate  of  those  who  are  faithless  to  their  prom- 
ises and  commit  treason  toward  their  King,  for  they  cannot  be 
counted  as  men." 


«^TURN  TO  oist  P"^^  '^SE 

"  OMSK  FROM  WHlr^  „ 

^«rcH  BORROWED 

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